How Long After Hernia Surgery Can I Exercise?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Wait to practice your favorite core exercise after repair with mesh (or without) for

four to six weeks

, unless recommended otherwise. Avoid strenuous activities, especially heavy lifting, for four to six weeks or as advised by your surgeon.

How long after inguinal surgery can I run?

Most people who have open hernia repair surgery are able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about 3 weeks. You most likely can return to light activity after 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after

6 weeks

of recovery.

Can I run after hernia surgery?

Avoid running, jumping, and other high-impact exercises until you are

four to six months post-surgery

. Use your body as a guide when adding new exercises. If you feel pain from a certain exercise, take it out of your routine.

Is it OK to run with a hernia?

As long as the bulge is not painful or inflamed,

there is very little risk for you to continue running

. However, if the hernia strangulates, so blood flow to the bowel tissue is compromised, then the hernia becomes an emergency.

What should I avoid after hernia surgery?


Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain

. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?

A swelling after abdominal wall repair

can be caused by bulging of the mesh

. A progressive bulging might be the result of failure of the mesh implant due to elongation. Mesh characteristics should be considered when choosing a feasible and suitable mesh for abdominal wall reconstruction.

When can I do sit ups after hernia surgery?

When Can I Get Start Working Out After My Hernia Repair?

After two weeks

, you can start to add some light exercise to your routine, focusing on exercises geared toward strengthening your core abdominal muscles. Exercise 1 – After a short walk, sit upright in a chair.

Can exercise make a hernia worse?

Exercise is one way to manage many chronic health conditions, and losing weight can help minimize the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. However, certain exercises can actually make your hiatal hernia worse by

putting strain on the abdominal area

or aggravating heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms.

Can I lift weights with a hernia?

Due to the nature of a hernia and the cause, heavy lifting should be avoided wherever possible, weightlifting could potentially cause further herniation and deterioration of your condition so

it would be better not to weight lift whilst you have

the hernia.

Are push ups bad for a hernia?

The optimal positioning of exercises for a hernia are sitting and standing, as lying positions increase intra-abdominal pressure. Exercises to avoid include core exercises (such as sit ups), swimming, Pilates, heavy lifting, and contact/high impact sports.

Will my stomach go down after hernia surgery?

The whole abdomen will bulge outward in these cases, especially towards the end of the day, and not just in the area of hernia. In this case, the entire muscle split must be repaired when the hernia is repaired, or

the hernia repair will be unsuccessful

.

What is the fastest way to recover from hernia surgery?


Gentle exercise, such as walking

, can help you heal faster. Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks. Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery.

How can I strengthen my stomach after hernia surgery?

  1. Step 1: Lie on your back.
  2. Step 2: Bend your knees, keeping your feet on the floor or bed.
  3. Step 3: Breathe in.
  4. Step 4: As you exhale, bring your belly button towards your spine, activating your abdominal muscles.
  5. Step 5: Hold for a few seconds.
  6. Step 6: Relax and return to normal breathing.

How long will my stomach stay swollen after hernia surgery?

Since normal swelling after hernia surgery is part of the healing process, the body can take

three to six months

to get rid of the swelling.

Can I push to poop after hernia surgery?

DO NOT LIFT, PUSH OR PULL MORE THAN 15 lbs. or use

your abdominal muscles for 6 weeks after surgery

. This allows time for your incisions to heal and reduces the risk of recurrent hernia formation.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.