An inguinal hernia can be a painful medical condition that also presents certain complications with physical activity or other forms of exercise due to its location on your body. This condition is often repaired via surgical intervention and also might require specialized physical therapy for the treatment of hernia. These therapy exercises will focus on improving your range of motion (ROM) and flexibility in your abdomen as well as strengthening the muscles surrounding the site of injury.
Condition Definition
According to MayoClinic.com, an inguinal hernia occurs when "soft tissue --- usually part of the intestine --- protrudes through a weak point or tear in your lower abdominal wall." This condition can be rather painful for some patients and also can cause nausea, weakness in your groin, or swelling in your lower torso. For men, an inguinal hernia also can cause testicular swelling. Hernias typically are treated via surgical intervention by implanting a mesh "patch" to secure the soft tissue within the abdominal wall.
Therapy Options
Physical therapy or occupational therapy can be prescribed following surgical repair of your inguinal hernia. According to a case report in the "Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association," a case study of a 35-year-old patient presenting with inguinal hernia was prescribed a therapeutic treatment plan that included strengthening and ROM exercises under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Results concluded that the patient was able to fully recover from his injury and return to full working duty after seven therapy visits.
Considerations
Depending on the type of daily activity that you normally partake in, your therapy treatment plan might include repeated lifting and flexibility exercises. Since inguinal hernia symptoms -- pain, abdominal swelling, soft tissue protrusion -- can be made worse by lifting heavy objects, your treatment plan will include exercises to gradually increase your abdominal wall strength to prevent future occurrence of hernia or injury. Your therapist also will stretch your abdominal wall manually via therapy mobilizations to allow for greater ROM in your core, which is otherwise limited immediately following abdominal surgery.
Misconceptions
While surgery can help repair a ruptured abdominal wall and inguinal hernia, this does not mean that you can immediately return to your normal lifting limits. Therapeutic exercise and a treatment plan regimen are needed to build up your muscle strength before returning to normal activity. Speak to your doctor for more information on when you can return to full lifting limits following treatment.
