How Soon Can I Go Back To My Workout Routine After Hernia Repair?

If you\’ve had laparoscopic hernia treatment or repair surgery, you could be feeling better than ever and want to kick-start your fitness routine as soon as possible. Not so fast. Even if your incision has healed, you will still require a significant amount of downtime to ensure a successful hernia repair. You will achieve the most critical potential surgery outcome by starting cautiously and progressively adding more demanding activities to your program.

 

CARING FOR YOURSELF THE FIRST TWO WEEKS AFTER SURGERY

Taking it easy for the first two weeks after hernia surgery is the best plan of action. Hernia surgery is a serious procedure that requires a lot of healing for a complete recovery.

 

Week One

The only exercise allowed the first week after surgery is walking as needed. Even if you aren\’t on bed rest, you shouldn\’t go to work or drive during this crucial recuperation period. Only walk far enough to meet your essential needs, such as going to the bathroom, dining in the kitchen, and sitting in your favourite chair. Even if you feel like it, avoid doing little tasks like putting out the trash or making your bed.

Week Two

If you feel better and aren\’t taking any prescription pain relievers, you can resume driving. As long as you are not in pain or tiredness, walk as much as you can. You can start doing light-duty jobs. Anything weighing more than 20 pounds should be avoided. Do not go to the gym or utilize workout equipment at home.

 

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 activities geared toward strengthening your core abdominal muscles.

Exercise 1

After a short walk, sit upright in a chair. While keeping your legs together, turn your upper body to the right. Place your left hand on your right knee and use your right hand to hold the chair\’s back for support. Stay in this position for 30 seconds and breathe deeply before repeating the exercise in the other direction.

 

Exercise 2

Lie down on the floor or in your bed for the second exercise. Bend one leg at the knee while stretching the other out straight. With both hands, gently reach out for your foot on your outstretched leg. Bend at the waist while keeping your back straight. Be careful not to overdo it. Hold the exercise for 30 seconds when you feel your hamstring stretching. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.

 

You can begin adding low-impact exercises to your schedule a month to six weeks after hernia surgery. Before giving you the all-clear, your doctor will need to assess your healing status. Activities with a low impact include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Elliptical machines
• Stationary cycling

One can add plank exercises for core strengthening to your program six weeks after surgery. Run, jump, and should be avoided other high-impact workouts until four to six months after surgery. When introducing new exercises, use your body as a guide. If a particular activity causes you pain, eliminate it from your routine. If you have any queries regarding your workout program or have pain at the operation site, don\’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

 

If you suspect you have a hernia or need guidance on your post-surgery hernia exercise program, contact JT Obesity Solutions to consult with Dr. Jayashree Todkar – A laparoscopic surgeon, and minimally invasive hernia repair.