The recovery phase after hernia surgery is important and requires your attention. Staying active is important for your healing; however, not all exercises are safe during this time. One wrong movement can cause your hernia to come back with severe complications.
In this blog, we will explore five exercises that you must avoid after hernia surgery. You can recover efficiently and safely by understanding which activities can strain your body. Also, you can return to your routine with a smooth healing process soon.
Understanding Hernia Surgery Recovery
Hernia surgery is a procedure where a torn area in the abdominal wall is repaired. Depending on the case’s complexity, the procedure is done through open surgery or laparoscopic treatment. Once the surgery is done, your body needs time to heal the tissues and to regain its strength. The hernia surgery recovery can vary from person to person, but on average, it involves several weeks.
During recovery, it is important to avoid putting excessive pressure on your affected area; otherwise, your wound might reopen. The tissues in your abdomen require time to heal, so you must avoid harmful exercises and activities. Understanding the healing process will ensure a smooth recovery and prevent any risk.
Why Avoid Certain Exercises After Hernia Surgery?
During your hernia surgery recovery phase, you need to avoid certain exercises. Here are some important reasons why you should stay away from exercising during this phase:
- Abdominal Pressure: A few exercises can raise abdominal pressure, creating tension during the surgical repair.
- Delayed Recovery: Exercising too much can slow down the process of your body’s natural healing.
- Hernia Recurrence: If you put too much strain on your affected areas, the hernia may recur.
- Pain and Discomfort: Moving unnecessarily can cause pain and inflammation in the affected area.
- Injuring Surrounding Tissues: Improper exercise can damage muscles and nerves near the surgical area.
5 Exercises You Need to Avoid
You must avoid movements that can stress your muscles during the initial weeks after your surgery. Even common exercises, which may seem harmless, can do more harm than good. Here are five exercises that you need to avoid after your surgery:
Heavy Weight Lifting
Lifting heavy weights or performing movements like squats and deadlifts can increase abdominal pressure. This pressure can disrupt your healing process and make things worse.
Sit-Ups and Crunches
This exercise engages heavily with abdominal muscles and can directly aggravate a hernia. So, doing sit-ups or crunches can put you at risk, leading to excessive pain and damage.
Cardio
Running, jumping, or doing high-impact workouts can be dangerous during recovery. These exercises should be avoided at all costs, as they can strain your stitches and mesh repair.
Twisting and Rotational Movements
Exercises like twists and golf swings can rotate your core. This can be very dangerous, especially in the early stages. Twisting can put stress on the incision and cause tearing and soreness.
Planks and Leg Raises
Planks and leg raises can load your abdominal muscles and put pressure on your healing tissues, which may cause discomfort and injury.
Safe Exercises During the Recovery Phase
While you must avoid heavy workouts after the surgery, gentle movements can help you with blood circulation and support a smooth hernia surgery recovery. After consulting with your doctor, you can try the following:
- Walk slowly, with a steady pace, to improve your blood circulation.
- Stretch your muscles gently to maintain flexibility.
- Do yoga with modified poses and light breathing.
- Take deep breaths to engage your abdominal muscles in a gentle activity.
- Lift your legs and arms lightly, this will help you stay active without putting pressure.
Final Thoughts
Hernia surgery recovery requires patience and awareness. You need to avoid any high-risk activity to ensure a smooth healing process. By understanding which exercises are good for you and which to avoid, you can support your body’s healing process.
At Texas Hernia & Surgical Specialists, we provide comprehensive hernia treatment and help you heal safely and quickly. Book an appointment and talk to our experts today!