How Long After Inguinal Hernia Repair Can I Lift Weights?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Do NOT engage in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for

at least four to six weeks

(or advised by your surgeon). Lifting too soon after surgery can cause a hernia reoccurrence and other complications.

Can you squat after inguinal hernia surgery?

There could be a chance of causing problems or undoing the repair if patients resume activity too soon. Feel free to walk at an easy pace as much as you like. Don't lift anything that weighs more than 25 pounds.

Avoid repetitive movements including bending, squatting, running, twisting, biking, etc.

How long does it take for muscles to heal after hernia surgery?

Full recovery time may take

four to six weeks

. Right after surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions but can return to light activity after a few weeks of recovery. Heavy activity can resume after six weeks.

Can I do squats after hernia surgery?

At 3 weeks from surgery, you are clear to do almost anything you want to do. However, you should incrementally work your way back up to your former fitness levels.

You should not just go to the gym and start doing heavy squats

, dead lifts, bench presses or strenuous high-impact activity right away.

How do I strengthen my core after hernia surgery?


Core twists

: Lie on your back with your knees bent (feet on the bed) and hands either side of you to stabilise yourself. Leaving your feet on the bed, lower both knees on one side as far as you comfortably can, then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

When can I start lifting weights after hernia surgery?

Do NOT engage in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for

at least four to six weeks

(or advised by your surgeon). Lifting too soon after hernia surgery can cause a hernia reoccurrence and other complications.

When can I start lifting after hernia surgery?

After surgery, most patients will be asked to

avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for the first two weeks

, though more complicated patients may have differing limitations. Different patients will have individual restrictions, but in general, you should be as active as your provider permits.

Can you lift weights with hernia?

When you have a hernia, you should avoid certain exercises and activities:

Avoid heavy exertion exercises, such as weightlifting, that cause you to strain

. Do not over stretch your abdominal wall.

How do I know if I damaged my hernia repair?

  1. Bloating and/or an inability to pass stools or gas.
  2. Fever when its cause is unknown.
  3. Chills, nausea, and/or vomiting.
  4. Warm or hot skin where the incision occurred.
  5. The wound from surgery is not healing in due time.

How long does it take to recover from laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?

Most people who have laparoscopic hernia repair surgery are able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about

1 to 2 weeks

. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 4 weeks of recovery.

What is the fastest way to recover from inguinal 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.

Can I do bodybuilding after hernia?


After a month to six weeks after hernia surgery, you can start adding low impact exercises to your routine

. Your doctor will need to evaluate the progression of your healing before giving you the greenlight.

Does hernia mesh last forever?


Non-absorbable mesh will remain in the body indefinitely

and is considered a permanent implant. It is used to provide permanent reinforcement to the repaired hernia. Absorbable mesh will degrade and lose strength over time. It is not intended to provide long-term reinforcement to the repair site.

Can I do sit-ups after hernia surgery?


Yes but do not do more than you have to

. There is no point to it. Many patients have the mistaken belief that strengthening the abdomen will prevent .

Can I do planks after hernia surgery?

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

.

When can I lift weights after abdominal surgery?


If you've had laparoscopic surgery you can lift weights immediately

. If you've had open surgery, do not lift more than 10lbs for the first six weeks. After that, you can increase to 30 lbs. for 2 weeks and no limit after 8 weeks.

Can squats cause hernia?

Be careful while exercising:

Certain exercises, like squats, can put undue strain on your abdominal wall

. It is thus best to avoid doing them. Additionally, fast movements or high-intensity workouts can also increase your risk of developing a hernia.

How can I flatten my stomach after hernia surgery?


Walking, yoga, and low-impact activities

may be a great way to begin. Avoid exercises that involve jumping or doing squats, which can increase pressure on your abdominal wall. You want to warm up properly as well, to avoid tearing or pulling abdominal muscles.

What are the restrictions after inguinal hernia surgery?

There are

no medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery

. That means it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn't hurt. In fact, returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery.

How long does a hernia take to heal?

Open hernia surgery, in which a surgeon utilizes a long incision to push the bulging organ back into place, generally requires

a minimum of three weeks

to recover. If a laparoscopic hernia repair is performed, recovery is closer to one to two weeks.

Can I do push ups with an inguinal hernia?

A month or more after surgery, you can progress to more strenuous activities, such as jogging. But be sure to speak to your doctor before stepping up your exercise routine.

Avoid exercises that put heavy strain on your groin or abdomen, such as sit-ups or push-ups

.

Can lifting heavy objects make a hernia worse?

When lifting heavy objects, it's important that you take care and lift correctly. Not only can poor lifting of a heavy load lead to back problems but

it can also cause a hernia

. If you exert sudden strain or force when moving something heavy, then you may end up with a hernia.

Can heavy lifting cause inguinal hernia?


Strenuous sports and physical activity, particularly weight-lifting, can cause inguinal hernia

, a type of hernia that develops in the groin and is common in men.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.