There are ways to help yourself. Speak to your rehabilitation team to find out if there’s anything you should or should not be doing after surgery.
You can also call our Support Line if you need more advice about what to do after surgery. Our friendly nurses can help you with any worries to do with sarcoma.
Keep following your rehabilitation plan
After your surgery, you might meet with a physiotherapist who will give you exercises to keep doing at home.
It’s important to continue doing these exercises. They’re designed specially to help you get the best possible function out of your affected limb.
Keep as active as possible
It is beneficial to your long-term health if you can keep yourself active. Being more active can help with many of the symptoms experienced after a diagnosis of cancer, for example fatigue.
Walking
Walking is a great way for you to increase your fitness and mobility. You can choose short or long distances, as well as making it a social occasion. The Ramblers have set up many local Walking for Health groups which you can join.
Sports
Sport is a great way to help your rehabilitation. It helps with your overall fitness and mobility and can improve your mood.
Your physiotherapist can recommend a physical activity that you might be able to get involved in.
We Are Undefeatable is a campaign to get people with cancer and other conditions moving. They have information on their website about the types of sport you could try, including walking football or wheelchair sports.
Falls prevention
If you have had surgery, you may be more at risk of falls.
Many areas offer a ‘falls prevention service.’ This is a specialist service for people who have fallen or are at risk of falling.
If you are concerned about falling or have fallen, discuss this with one of your GP or rehabilitation team. These services sometimes allow you to self-refer.
Hospices
Many hospices run rehabilitation sessions for people living with and beyond cancer to help them regain fitness and mobility. Contact your local hospice and drop-in centre to find out what services they offer.
Exercise referrals
Many local councils offer an ‘exercise on referral’ scheme at local gyms. Your physiotherapist or GP can refer you to this service if it’s available in your area.
The sessions usually last 6-12 weeks, depending on the gym. You might need to pay for the sessions, but it’s usually less than a standard gym membership.
Many gyms will have staff that can help you specifically with cancer rehabilitation.
Look after yourself
Pace yourself
Do not do too much too soon. Allow your body time to heal and rest in between keeping active. Listen to your body, it will tell you if you cannot do something.
Look after your mental health
Recovering and rehabilitating after sarcoma surgery can be hard on your mental health. We have a number of ways to support you with your mental health, including calling our Support Line, and our emotional support information.
You might also benefit from speaking with others about how you feel. Try and keep in contact with family and friends, or you could join a sarcoma Support Group.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet can help you with recovery by giving you more energy. A healthy diet can also help you to heal well.
Get enough sleep
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) is common in people having cancer treatment. Sleep is an important part of your rehabilitation. If you’re struggling to sleep, you can speak to your GP about support for insomnia.
Do what you enjoy
Try to make time for the things you enjoy, whether that’s reading, being creative, or keeping active.
Last reviewed June 2025
Next review due June 2028
