Abdominal hernia core exercises that improve hernia support before or after hernia surgery with Physiotherapist Michelle Kenway www.pelvicexercises.com.au Learn how to do 2 abdominal core hernia exercises for abdominal core support with umbilical hernia or inguinal hernia. Michelle also discusses unsafe abdominal exercises to avoid that can increase the risk of abdominal hernia worsening.
Time stamps for Abdominal Hernia Exercises
0:40 Deep abdominal core muscles
1:04 Abdominal hernia core exercise side lying
4:44 Abdominal hernia core exercise sitting
7:34 Abdominal exercises to avoid with abdominal hernia
Abdominal Hernia Exercises for Core Muscles
The most appropriate abdominal hernia core exercises are those exercises that train the deepest innermost layer of abdominal muscles known as Transverse Abdominis.
These muscles wrap around the waist providing a natural corset like a belly band of support around the trunk controlling pressure within the abdomen. The deep core abdominal muscles can become weak after abdominal surgery (incision), obesity and even with lower back pain.
Preoperative exercises for abdominal hernia patients have been found to improve postoperative recovery and reduce complications (1).
Core Abdominal Hernia Exercises Side Lying
*Start lying on one side with knees bent
*Maintain the inward curve in the lower back
*Place one hand over the lower abdomen
*Gently tense the lower deep abdominal muscles beneath your briefs
*Keep the upper abdomen relaxed
*Breathe normally
*Relax the abdomen and rest
*Repeat up to 10 seconds x 10 repetitions
Core Abdominal Hernia Exercises Sitting and Standing
*Start sitting or standing
*Align your posture so that your chest is raised and the crown of the head lifted towards the ceiling
*Gently tense the lower deep abdominal muscles located beneath your undergarment
*Breathe normally and maintain the Transverse Abdominis contraction
*Relax the abdomen and rest
*Repeat up to 10 seconds x 10 repetitions
Abdominal Exercises to Avoid with Abdominal Hernia
Some intense abdominal exercises can increase pressure within the abdomen, potentially forcing abdominal hernia to bulge. These are the more intense abdominal exercises that activate the upper 6 pack (rectus abdominis) muscles.
Intense abdominal exercises to avoid include:
*Abdominal curl exercises
*Abdominal roller
*Resisted abdominal strength exercises (equipment)
*Abdominal exercises with both legs and upper body raised simultaneously (e.g. V sits)
#herniaexercises #abdominalhernia #umbilicalhernia
Renshaw SM, Poulose BK, Gupta A, Di Stasi S, Chaudhari A, Collins C. Preoperative exercise and outcomes after ventral hernia repair: Making the case for prehabilitation in ventral hernia patients. Surgery. 2021 Aug;170(2):516-524. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 Apr 20. PMID: 33888317.