What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a painful and sometimes debilitating health issue that occurs when an organ pushes its way through a tissue or muscle opening. Although a hernia is not life-threatening in its early stages, surgical repair may be necessary in order to prevent long-term complications. Dr. Gregory Dumanian is a Chicago hernia specialist that treats umbilical, epigastric, and parastomal hernias, as well as rectus diastasis repairs.
Patients who are generally active or wish to be active following their repair often ask when they can exercise after hernia surgery. Dr. Dumanian explains in this blog post the best time and methods for working out after hernia surgery.
Hernia Repair and Recovery
If the symptoms of a hernia are causing pain, or nausea, or if the hernia is enlarging over time, a doctor may recommend hernia repair. Dr. Dumanian specializes in open repairs of hernias, where the abdominal wall muscles are repaired with sutures and meshes. Hernia treatments offered by Dr. Dumanian include:
- Umbilical Hernia Repair: treats weakness in the abdominal wall near the belly button.
- Parastomal Hernia Repair: performed when a section of the intestine pushes through a surgical incision.
- Epigastric Hernia Repair: treats a small tear in the middle of the abdomen.
Patients who undergo open surgery for hernia repair will need to avoid certain physical activities, including strenuous exercise, for weeks to months after surgery. The level of physical activity the patient is capable of achieving also depends on the type and difficulty of the surgery. Dr. Dumanian and his team will provide detailed instructions on the appropriate timing and amount of exercise a person can engage in once the surgery has been completed. They may also modify those instructions based on the patient’s healing progress.
When Can I Return to Exercise after Hernia Surgery?
Generally, patients can walk as much as tolerated after surgery. Non-impact exercise such as biking, swimming, or elliptical training can be done six to 12 weeks after surgery. Planks for core strengthening can also be done six to 12 weeks after surgery. Exercises to avoid after hernia surgery for at least three to six months include jumping up and down, running, and impact exercises. The amount of discomfort one experiences will also dictate the range of movement that can be achieved following surgery. Patients should not resume physical exercise until cleared by their doctor.
Contact Dr. Dumanian for More Information
If you want to learn more what to expect after hernia repair or need more information about working out after hernia surgery, contact abdominal specialist Dr. Gregory Dumanian today at (312) 695-6022 or visit his website.