Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
155 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Cardio Exercises And Weight Lifting Be Continued After Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

I had surgery on an umbilical hernia 2 weeks ago. Prior to my surgery, I worked out 6 days a week, cardio & weights. I can t seem to get a straight answer to what exercise I can go back to, what should I avoid, etc. I feel fine, but don t want to hurt myself.
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
the healing of your hernia repair usually takes 6 to 8 weeks depending on your present health. at no stage during recovery should you attempt strenuous exercises that can easily cause your wounds to burst open...especially weight lifting which caused the hernia in the first place. START LOW/ GO SLOW
try instead gentle stretching warm ups for about 15 to 20 minutes followed by a brisk walk for 30 to 45 minutes . at no stage should you hold your breath ... make sure you take deep breats in and out. try swimming which gives you all round cardiovascular fitness ... and in the third week following surgery try gentle cycling on the stationary bicycle . all the time gradually increasing the intensity and duration of these exercises . you must stop immediately YOU FEEL PAIN ESPECIALLY IN THE GROIN AREA. you are probably over stretching the wound scar or even tearing it. you can try. peaking to reach your previous level of fitness/ strength etc. at around 6 weeks post surgical operation . also remember to do CORE MUSCLE BUILD UP EXERCISES.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Hernia


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Cardio Exercises And Weight Lifting Be Continued After Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

the healing of your hernia repair usually takes 6 to 8 weeks depending on your present health. at no stage during recovery should you attempt strenuous exercises that can easily cause your wounds to burst open...especially weight lifting which caused the hernia in the first place. START LOW/ GO SLOW try instead gentle stretching warm ups for about 15 to 20 minutes followed by a brisk walk for 30 to 45 minutes . at no stage should you hold your breath ... make sure you take deep breats in and out. try swimming which gives you all round cardiovascular fitness ... and in the third week following surgery try gentle cycling on the stationary bicycle . all the time gradually increasing the intensity and duration of these exercises . you must stop immediately YOU FEEL PAIN ESPECIALLY IN THE GROIN AREA. you are probably over stretching the wound scar or even tearing it. you can try. peaking to reach your previous level of fitness/ strength etc. at around 6 weeks post surgical operation . also remember to do CORE MUSCLE BUILD UP EXERCISES.