A hernia is essentially a defect or hole in the muscle of the abdominal wall that serves to hold in the organs. Repetitive strain or stress on the muscles can cause a hernia or you can be born with a weak abdominal wall, according to the North Penn Hernia Institute. A bulge in the abdomen results from the disorder and must be repaired through surgery. You usually can resume normal exercise and abdominal workouts within two weeks of the surgery depending on your physical condition.
Time Frame
Walking usually is encouraged immediately following surgery to repair a hernia to prevent muscle atrophy and decrease your risk of developing a blood clot, according to the North Penn Hernia Institute. You may begin lifting light weightlifting and moderate aerobic activity within a week if your doctor approves.
Features
You should avoid certain exercises for at least a couple of weeks following hernia surgery. This includes any exercise or activity that places excessive strain on your abdomen, according to Net Doctor. Exercises such as rowing or those activities requiring pushing or pulling resistance weights are ill advised. Lifting heavy weights closes off your throat as you lift, causing undue pressure on the hernia repair site. Water exercises and swimming are ideal abdominal exercises because the water can help to hold the incision and weakened abdominal walls in place. A recumbent bike takes pressure off your core and places it more heavily on your legs.
Alternatives
Abdominal-strengthening exercises may help repair a hernia when the condition occurs for the first time, according to the Encyclopedia of Surgery. Losing weight and performing tai chi, yoga and stretching exercises to strengthen the abdominal walls can lead to a natural repair. Walking is a full-body aerobic activity that can add to the healing. In addition to strengthening your abdomen with sit-ups and light weightlifting, you also must learn how to pick up heavy objects so as not to strain your weakened abdominal walls.
Options
As an option to the traditional hernia repair surgeries that require about one to two weeks before you can resume exercising, laparoscopic procedures may allow you to return to your regular workout routine within days, according to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. If you are otherwise in good health and have been exercising regularly, you often may resume sit-ups, resistance-equipment workouts and other abdominal exercises such as rowing or weightlifting in about three days after the procedure.
Warning
You should follow the advice of your doctor about when to resume your regular abdominal exercises and other activities. According to Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery, if you resume exercises too soon, you run the risk of popping your incisions and developing other side effects. You'll know if you re-injured the spot if you experience severe abdominal pain or develop a fever, have excessive swelling or tenderness in the area or have difficulty urinating.
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