Exercise and Stitches

Sloth_TurtleGirl

Yesterday, I had three stitches in my neck for a minor procedure. I forgot tot ask the doctor about exercise. I have been trying to walk three miles a day. Anyone exercising with stitches?

There is no bandage on it because it is just below my hairline.

scottaworley

I would check with your doctor, but I think that most exercise is not encouraged with a healing wound like that. If you want to stay somewhat active I'm sure walking would be okay.

crobl

Initially, as a disclaimer - check with your doctor to be sure. But, as a general rule, any time you have stitches, you want to be careful that you don't overstretch the body part and cause the stitches to rip open. This not only will hurt like the ****ens, but more often then not, leaves people with a nasty scar. For the athletes that I work with (I'm a Certified Athletic Trainer at a small college), we generally cover the stitches until there is no open wound to prevent sweat/dirt, etc... from getting in and causing an infection. Also, we do not allow them to get into the pool/cold whirlpool/hot tub until there is no longer and open wound (again, infection). Otherwise, we are careful what they do in order to not reopen the wound. A lot of this is dependent upon body part. Stitches across a joint often requires a reduction in activity due to the stretching/bending involved. However, I have had athletes that required stitches on their face/shin/etc... that returned to activity later that day.

All in all, if you can't get a hold of your doctor I'd advise this. -

Keep it clean (and covered if you can)
Don't do any activity that could cause the stitches to stretch/rip open

* These things are dependent upon what procedure, I'm assuming from the way you explained it, possibly a mole removal or something simple.