Exercise After Surgery

heatherashley87

I'm cleared to begin exercising next Monday but have no clue where to start...I need to strengthen my abdominal wall after 2 hernia repairs without causing further damage. I've already been told crunches are out...any suggestions?

hockeysniper8

Maybe do assisted Ab exercises with a fitness ball? Any type of leg raises

Jeffrey300050

I had 4 back surgeries this year and spent 6 months in hospital learning to walk again. I can't help with a specific suggestion but I would just say good luck! I'm with ya! And also try not to rush it

Colorscheme

I've had multiple surgeries for various things. My biggest piece of advice is to start slow. Maybe do some gently yoga or stretching for a bit until you're more healed.

Colorscheme

Was it strictly abdominal surgery? if so then it's probably similar to when I had a c-section. I couldn't work out for 6 weeks. I wonder if you could just simply go for a walk.

Packerjohn

heatherashley87 wrote: »

I'm cleared to begin exercising next Monday but have no clue where to start...I need to strengthen my abdominal wall after 2 hernia repairs without causing further damage. I've already been told crunches are out...any suggestions?

Ask the doctor or physical therapist who can answer the question knowing your specific situation instead of people on the Internet

Best of luck.

MostlyWater

definitely ask your dr. what do you like to do? do you like to swim?

heatherashley87

Packerjohn: My doctor told me I am cleared for exercises...just wondering what ones work best. I know crunches don't help much to strengthen your abdominal wall after hernia repair. I'm sure there are "people on the internet" with knowledge on this subject. If you have no clue then why even respond? Are you that bored?

heatherashley87

Colorscheme wrote: »

Was it strictly abdominal surgery? if so then it's probably similar to when I had a c-section. I couldn't work out for 6 weeks. I wonder if you could just simply go for a walk.

I have started walking just this week. It was abdominal surgery so my concern is trying to strengthen my core...I'm still have trouble raising my arm and the doctor told me it's because they had to make an incision into my muscle and I will have have to build up the strength again.

Aed0416

Please schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. They will give you a list of exercises and watch you preform them so you know you are doing it right. You can ask them about progressions and timelines and warning signs.

heatherashley87

Jeffrey300050 wrote: »

I had 4 back surgeries this year and spent 6 months in hospital learning to walk again. I can't help with a specific suggestion but I would just say good luck! I'm with ya! And also try not to rush it

Thank you. Sounds like you've come a long way! Good luck to you too!

heatherashley87

MostlyWater wrote: »

definitely ask your dr. what do you like to do? do you like to swim?

I love swimming and running. I'm still having difficulty stretching/raising my right arm and leg and my doctor said it's because I need to strengthen my core after the incisions were made.

Packerjohn

heatherashley87 wrote: »

Packerjohn: My doctor told me I am cleared for exercises...just wondering what ones work best. I know crunches don't help much to strengthen your abdominal wall after hernia repair. I'm sure there are "people on the internet" with knowledge on this subject. If you have no clue then why even respond? Are you that bored?

You post said you were clear to exercise, then in the same post you said you wanted exercises that would not cause further damage. These are conflicting statements in that you are saying you have a restriction ot think you do. . If you are concerned about further damage, ask a professional. Otherwise do whatever you want.

I actually have a clue on some effective ab exercises but not going to share and possibly hurt someone.

Makes one sorry for even trying

Packerjohn

Packerjohn wrote: »

heatherashley87 wrote: »

Packerjohn: My doctor told me I am cleared for exercises...just wondering what ones work best. I know crunches don't help much to strengthen your abdominal wall after hernia repair. I'm sure there are "people on the internet" with knowledge on this subject. If you have no clue then why even respond? Are you that bored?

You post said you were clear to exercise, then in the same post you said you wanted exercises that would not cause further damage. These are conflicting statements in that you are saying you have a restriction or think you do. If you are concerned about further damage, ask a professional. Otherwise do whatever you want.

I actually have a clue on some effective ab exercises but not going to share and possibly hurt someone that can't decide if they are limited

Makes one sorry for even trying

LKArgh

Ask your dr what you can do regarding abs. It might be months between being cleared for walking and being cleared for working the abs.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

I would ask the doctor and I would not start with yoga. It works my abs as hard as any hip hop or zumba class. Maybe harder because my core holds me up in plank, down dog and many other positions.
If you aren't going to ask a doctor, start with walking or biking and work your way up to whatever else from there. Best of luck in your recovery.

julie_broadhead

Walking is going to do more for your core than you think. It is a great place to start! Ask your doc about getting a physical therapy or occupational therapy referral to rebuild your strength post surgery. Wishing you a speedy recovery:-)

heatherashley87

Packerjohn wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

heatherashley87 wrote: »

Packerjohn: My doctor told me I am cleared for exercises...just wondering what ones work best. I know crunches don't help much to strengthen your abdominal wall after hernia repair. I'm sure there are "people on the internet" with knowledge on this subject. If you have no clue then why even respond? Are you that bored?

You post said you were clear to exercise, then in the same post you said you wanted exercises that would not cause further damage. These are conflicting statements in that you are saying you have a restriction or think you do. If you are concerned about further damage, ask a professional. Otherwise do whatever you want.

I actually have a clue on some effective ab exercises but not going to share and possibly hurt someone that can't decide if they are limited

Makes one sorry for even trying

It is not conflicting. A hernia is repaired by placing a piece if mesh over the hole. You can cause further damage to a hernia even after repair, whether it's a month or years after surgery. I am not talking in terms of medical restrictions or what a doctor is limiting me to. I was cleared by a medical professional and told I will need to strengthen my abdominal wall. I was simply asking advice on what works and what doesn't as some abdominal exercises are not recommended for those with hernias, repaired or not, such as crunches.

Chieflrg

I had abdominal surgery that was way more intrusive than a hernia surgery.

When cleared I ended up just doing squats and pull ups to strengthen my abs.

Second on not doing yoga especially inverts with pikes as they are extremely tough on the abs.