What exercises you can do and which to avoid if you have a hernia

Widely known are its multiple benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced inflammation, stronger muscles and maintaining a normal body weight. Physical exercise also helps to maintain mental health and wellness. However, with regard to people with abdominal hernia, there is always the risk of worsening the condition when exercise is not appropriate, or is not performed properly. Respiratory and muscle strengthening without stress is the key to achieving the desired improvements. The intensity and form of exercise depends on the existing physical condition, as does the type of hernia and its severity. So since each individual is different, seeking medical advice before the exercise begins is necessary. Most free time, now in summer, is an incentive to engage in outdoor activities, such as swimming, running, cycling, rackets, volleyball or football in the sand. But are those who have a hernia allowed? “Sport is necessary for the good functioning of the organization. Therefore, it should not be completely abandoned after hernia diagnosis. What is needed is to be amended and done more carefully. In general, the goal should be to exert less pressure on the abdomen. Therefore, high intensity programs, exercises requiring pulling and pushing as well as contact sports, such as football or beach volley, which can cause injuries should be avoided. The slightest pain/disturbing, the occurrence of a failure to control the bladder, or the difficulty during bowel stenosis due to the pressure caused by the hernia, are indications of interruption of exercise and visit to the doctor as soon as possible,” notes Surgeon General Dr. Spyros Avlonitis. In particular, in order to protect hernia and prevent its deterioration, it is preferable for people with abdomens to engage in low-intensity sports activities. Mild jogging and walking are allowed (but not intense running), cycling and mild yoga. Unsuitable for people with hernia are exercises and sports that burden the abdominal wall, such as lifting weights, abdominal muscle stress exercises, sit-ups, crunches etc. Generally, proper strengthening of the muscles of the abdomen, back and pelvis can help to avoid worsening the hernia. Rather, inactivity, poor physical condition, and excessive pressure in the area, can lead to increased pain, muscle stress, and even more serious complications. “ Hernias are, essentially, defects or holes in peritonia, the tissue under the skin that holds the organs in the abdominal cavity and absorbs the vibrations caused by movements. They form almost anywhere in the abdomen and symptoms caused include swelling, pain, and palpable hardness in the area. Sometimes they’re asymptomatic. Depending on where they appear they are distinguished in epigastric, umbilical, groin, femurs (high on the thigh). Another category is post-operative hernias, which appear at the incision of some earlier surgery. Cause is the exercise of pressure on the abdomen due to weight removal, chronic cough, constipation or diarrhoea. More prone are obese people and smokers. The trapping of an organ (e.g. part of the intestine) within the hole of peritonia is a development to be avoided. The strangulation and then strangulation of the organ is a complication that may lead to its necrosis. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate surgical treatment. But even when there is no complication, surgery is the only therapeutic option. It is done either by open technique or endoscopic (laparoscopic-robots). Re-establishing the instrument that projectes on classical, open surgery is done through a large incision and restoring the hole by placing a grid or special sutures or both. In the minimally invasive laparoscopic – robotic technique the repositioning of the projector is done through three very small holes, through which the surgeon introduces a camera (from which he sees magnified the peritoneal area) and two small diameter endoscopic tools. For the greater durability and prevention of a relapse, a grid sheet is inserted and fastened as in open surgery. Both techniques require total anesthesia, but laparoscopic – robotics benefits in many places. The absence of large incision minimizes pain and offers faster recovery. If there are more than one hernia, the laparoscopic – robotic technique requires no additional incisions. Through the original three small holes all can be restored. The most important advantage, however, is that it does not require hospitalization! The patient usually stays only for a few hours in hospital and goes home the same day. Its professional tasks and daily activities are also rapidly restored. Since hernias do not heal themselves and surgery to restore them is a one-way street, the faster this becomes, the smaller the chances of complications. And of course their successful treatment improves the quality of life of patients, who no longer have restrictions, can exercise, play and generally enjoy any experience that pleases them,” concludes Dr.