When can I Workout After Hernia Surgery?

Workout is an important part of life that not only improves your physical health, but it is also important for your mental and emotional well-being. Getting back to your routine exercises and staying fit after hernia surgery should be done with great care and caution and under the guidance of your surgeon. 

Hernia surgery is a common procedure that helps repair the defect by removing the hernia sac and pushing it back to its original position and placing a mesh over it to prevent recurrence. This can be done either through an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach that best suits the condition and severity of your hernia. Post surgery recovery is crucial that helps determine the course of healing and how well you respond to the treatment provided. Your road to recovery should be smooth and beneficial, whichaids in healing and helps you resume your routine activities as early as possible without any exertion or post-op complications. One question among the patients today is when to get back to workout after hernia surgery since most of them are fitness conscious in today’s era. 

This article will give you some general guidelines on resuming workouts after hernia surgery, however it is important you follow your surgeon’s instructions in regard to your surgery and individual recovery.

What is a Hernia?

Hernia is a tear or damage in your muscle or tissue that allows part of your associated organ to protrude or bulge out. These are either small in size which go unnoticed or may be enlarged that usually cause pain and discomfort. Hernias typically occur in your abdominal area but they can also be seen developing in your groins, around your navel (umbilicus) and your lower chest. Depending on the type of hernias it causes symptoms that include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• A bulge or lump that disappears on lying down and reappears during activities like bending, coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal bloating
• Constipation
• Heartburn and acid reflux
• Chest pain and shortness of breath

Most often small hernias do not require surgical treatment and can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. But enlarged hernias need a surgical intervention since if they are left untreated they lead to life-threatening complications like hernia strangulation (when a part of your hernia is trapped and deprived of the blood supply). 

Also Read: Difference Between Direct And Indirect Hernia

When Can I Workout After Hernia Surgery?

The initial first two weeks post hernia surgery are crucial hence you need to go slow and take things easily. Hernia surgery is a major procedure irrespective of the surgical approach hence you should focus on resting to ensure full recovery. 

• First two weeks post surgery

• • • Begin with walking for 15 to 20 minutes depending on how well your body responds. 

• After 2 weeks

• • • You can start with some light exercises that should focus mainly on strengthening the core abdominal muscles.

• Exercise 1

• • • • • Lie on the floor and stretch one leg out straight while bending the other at the knee. Gently reach out to your outstretched leg, and while keeping your back straight, bend at your waist. Gold for 30 seconds and repeat with the opposite leg.

• Exercise 2

• • • • Sit on a chair with your back straight, keep your leg together and turn your upper body to your right. Place your left hand on your right knee, and use your right hand to hold the chair for support. Hold on for 30 seconds and breathe deeply. Repeat the exercise in the opposite direction.

• At 4 to 6 weeks

• • • Now you are ready to begin low-impact exercises which include:
      • Walking 
      • Swimming
      • Stationary bicycle
      • Yoga

• 6 to 12 weeks after surgery

• • • You may add plank exercises into your routine which help to strengthen your core abdominal muscles. Some core strengthening exercises are:

• Button pulls

• • • • • Lie on your back with your knees bent and hold your hips. Take a deep breath and as you breathe out pull in your belly button towards your spine. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax.

• Core twists

• • • • Lie on your bed with your knees bent. Place both your hands on your sides to stabilize yourself. Keep both your feet on the floor and lower your knees sideways as far as you can and then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Avoid running and jumping, and other high-impact workouts until 4 to 6 months post surgery.

Related Information:

Why is it so Important to Wait Until You Start Your Workout After Hernia Surgery?

Post hernia repair your surgeon will stitch up your wound which should not be ripped apart. The mesh placed inside needs to integrate with the body which usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks. Once the mesh is integrated it becomes more stable. The entire hernia repair depends on the stitches until they heal and the mesh disintegrates. If there is any kind of stress or exertion on the stitches the entire hernia repair fails. Workouts put unnecessary strain on your abdominal muscles that may delay wound healing and lead to reherniation (recurrence). Hence you need to be very careful for the initial few weeks post hernia surgery so that you can reap its benefits in the long run. You will be able to return to your routine activities with more resistance and stability. 

Takeaway

Hernia surgery is a common procedure that involves the removal of the hernia sac and pushing the organ back to its original position and placing a mesh over it to prevent recurrence. The wound is sutured to close it after the mesh is placed. You need to take extra care in terms of workouts to prevent any wound separation due to the strain exerted by the exercises. You can probably resume your workout 4 to 6 weeks post-hernia repair. Following your surgeon’s instructions is important for proper wound healing, mesh integration and to prevent any post-surgical complications.

We have a team of hernia specialists at Medfin who can guide you better with the treatment modality and smooth recovery. Book an appointment with us to live a pain-free life!!! 

Disclaimer: 

The content on this site is the copyright of Medfin and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered as a substitute for medical and surgical expertise. Results from any treatments or surgeries are subjective to an individual patient and the type of procedure/ surgery performed. Please seek professional help regarding any medical concerns. Medfin will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.