Hernia is a problem that can affect patients across all age groups, from young children to healthy young adults to old people. Most health-conscious young adults are in the habit of regular exercise and going to the gym. They get psychologically demoralized when they get a hernia. They tend to think that once they get a hernia and undergo surgery for it, they might need bed rest. And most people also believe that they may no longer be able to go back to the gym and do those exercises. Are you one among such patients, wondering ‘When can I exercise after hernia surgery?’, read on to find out the answer!
Exercise After Hernia Surgery
A common question patients ask is, Can I go to the gym after hernia surgery? If yes, when can I go? For those who undergo laparoscopic groin hernia repair, we usually advise that they can resume their day-to-day activities from the third day after surgery. This includes all regular routines like:
- Walking on flat surfaces
- Climbing a few steps
- Using the toilet, and
- Getting out of bed independently.
Patients generally reach a fitness level within a week where they can leave the house, drive short distances, and go for outdoor walks.
- In a month, generally after three to four weeks, the patients are encouraged to resume their jogging or walking. We generally ask them not to start doing weight-training exercises.
- From six weeks on, patients can start doing more strenuous exercises.
- After three months, fit young patients who have been used to weight training can go back to the gym and start doing weight training.
After an uncomplicated inguinal laparoscopic hernia repair, patients can resume their normal daily activities and exercises, including cardio and weight training, without major restrictions after three months. They are also free to engage in cycling, outdoor exercises, activities, and sports three months post-operation.
In cases of open hernia surgery, patients typically experience a slightly longer recovery time. However, we encourage patients to start abdominal exercises three months after the surgery. This recommendation is based on the fact that the presence of a hernia can weaken the abdominal muscles. After hernia repair, these muscles must regain their strength to ensure a high success rate in the long term. For large abdominal hernias treated with open surgery, patients are generally advised against heavy weight lifting exercises, but we do encourage them to engage in abdominal strengthening and cardio exercises.
Thus, by the time three to six months have passed, patients who have undergone large hernia repairs can resume their exercises, including jogging and breathing exercises.
