Fitness is an important part of our lives, and if maintaining an active lifestyle is important to you, chances are you are curious about the exercises that may help you recover from inguinal hernia surgery.
What Is An Inguinal Hernia?
At the Groin and Pelvic Pain Institute, we define an inguinal hernia as “an opening in the inguinal area, which is in the groin. It can present like a bulge or fullness in the groin, or just pain in the groin or down to the testicle (in males).”
What Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
Dr. Iraci, a professional groin and pelvic pain doctor, recommends “all hernias should be repaired unless there are overriding medical contraindications to the surgery. Hernias that are symptomatic should be repaired.”
In this case, if you’re reading this, chances are you may be facing an inguinal hernia surgery.
Inguinal Hernia Surgery Exercise Recovery Tips
So what are some exercises to aid in hernia recovery surgery? Let’s discuss them below!
- Go For A Walk – one of the greatest things you can do for your body after an inguinal surgery is to go for a walk. Provided you have received the green light from your doctor, you can start walking around as soon as you are able.
- Deep Breathing – it is a common human experience to experience pain after any surgery. After inguinal hernia surgery, it may be especially painful to take deep breaths, which leads people to take shallow breaths instead. However, shallow breathing may lead to an infection at the bottom of your lungs due to them not being fully expanded. With this in mind, do your best to take a few conscious deep breaths throughout the day.
- Leg Exercises – exercising your legs is beneficial, as it will keep them strong while also keeping blood moving properly, which will help prevent blood clots. Consider trying this exercise in your hernia surgery recovery program!
- Leg straightens: Sit on the edge of your bed or other piece of furniture. Put your feet on the floor with your knees at a 90 degree flexion. One at a time, straighten each leg, holding the position for a few seconds, then returning to the 90 degrees flex.
- Core Exercises – As we have said before, please consult your doctor before attempting exercises after inguinal hernia surgery. If given the green light, please also be aware that your core may feel tender and weak after surgery. Your groin and pelvic pain doctor will be able to recommend the right abdominal exercises for you. A couple basic exercises that your doctor may prescribe are the pelvic tilt or Pilates toe taps.
We know recovery can at times be difficult, but stick with it! If any of the exercises above cause unusual pain, discomfort, or weakness around the inguinal area, be sure to reach out to your groin and pelvic pain doctor for guidance.
If you liked this Groin and Pelvic Pain Institute blog, check out these others:
–WHEN OVARIAN CYSTS REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT
–VISITING A SPORTS HERNIA SPECIALIST CAN BE HIGHLY BENEFICIAL
