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Stretching and core exercise recommendations
I had a 3-month follow-up with my surgeon yesterday. Did a thorough physical exam and says the surgery held up well and no recurrence. Still have soreness, but despite reporting soreness still, he gave me the green light to go back to the gym. He is confident that it will get better and did not recommend imaging.
Are there any resources as to stretching and core building exercises to consult so that I can ease my way back in? Thank you for any information.
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13 Replies
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I second Maxwaxer’s question-it would be great to have some good ground rules on this topic. I would especially like to know when is a reasonable post-surgery time to begin gentle exercises. One month, or two, or three?
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@drtowfigh,is this a topic found in conventions/conferences for IH surgeons? Is it something recognized in your field?
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Thank you!
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You’re all absolutely right. We have no standard for postoperative rehabilitation.
I believe that, similar to orthopedic surgery, there must be a good rehab program after hernia repair. General surgeons are not good st this stuff. We have no studies on it.
Slow deliberate stretching is good.
Yoga and Pilates is good once the early healing has completed
any core fitness is good. Nothing fast or jerky. -
My PT gave me printouts of the exercises. I also told him upfront I only wanted a couple of sessions. First session he evaluated my flexibility and gave me about 5 exercises. Went back in 6 weeks and he gave me 4 additional exercises.
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Going to PT on Monday. Can’t hurt!
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I do feel they help. Hard to tell how much I’m strengthening my core but I figured the stretching aspect couldn’t hurt. Not real comfortable passing on the actual exercises as I wouldn’t want anyone to hurt or injure themselves from advice form a non-medical person. A lot of insurance plans allow you to self-refer. Or you could try your family doctor to see if they would refer you.
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I’ve read that also. I got my primary care doctor to give me a prescription for PT, and will be going for a few sessions.
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I’ve been researching this myself. Haven’t found much. There are a couple of very brief pages about strengthening your core after IH surgery, so apparently people are prepared to help with it. My understanding is that once you have recuperated from surgery, yoga might be the safe way to start, then gradually ease into more strenuous exercises.
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Do you feel the stretching/exercising benefited you and helped you to improve?
I asked my surgeon for a script for PT. He refused. He says it’s a waste of time and I should slowly ease my way back into the gym and do crunches! No way I am doing crunches anytime soon. I probably just have to self-pay for the PT, which I am going to do.
Mind sharing any type of exercises or stretching you learned? I’ve seen hip extensions are good. -
I was in the same boat at the 3 month point. I made an appointment for two sessions with a physical therapist, told him I wanted some stretching and core strengthening exercises that did no focus on crunches and he provided instructions, training for 6 or so various exercises. Key is to find a PT who understands you don’t want endless/expensive sessions. My insurance allowed me to self-refer. Others may need their surgeon to provide a referral. Or just pay out of pocket.
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Same here. Why can’t they commit to a solid suggestion?
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I have the same question…even asked the dr and he just siad to ease yourself back into it and only do what you can…
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