June is National Hernia Awareness Month

Hernias are a common ailment; yet many Americans do not seek treatment for their hernia due to fear of down time.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when there is a weakness in the wall of the area it occurs. There are a number of places and types of hernias that can occur within the body.

• Abdominal Hernia – Also referred to as a ventral hernia, abdominal hernias are generally a protrusion that occurs above the belt. This happens due to a weakness in the abdominal wall.
• Hiatal Hernia – This type of hernia is closely connected & can coincide with a Paraesophageal Hernia, with the main symptom being gastric reflux or GERD. The hiatal hernia can commonly reoccur after surgery to repair it.
• Umbilical Hernia – Occurs around or in your belly button. If your belly button typically is pushed in, leaving an indent, and suddenly it appears to have a something bulging out then you most likely have an umbilical hernia.
• Incisional Hernia – Occurs at the incision line of a previous surgery, due to cutting of the skin, tissue, & muscles in that particular area creating a weakened site.
• Femoral Hernia – Occurs at the top of the leg or groin area. These types of hernias are more common in women and tend to be recurrent after the hernia has been repaired.
• Inguinal Hernia –Occurs below the belt and on either side or both sides of the groin and/or the scrotum area. This particular hernia is more common in men and can also be recurrent, even after surgery.

Hernia Repair

Modern medical technology allows for easy repairs and shortened recovery time for hernias. It’s extremely important to have your hernia repaired. Ignoring it can sometimes lead to life threatening complications..

In most cases of hernia repair you typically:

• Have laparoscopic, same day surgery with minimal invasion
• Receive local anesthesia at the sight of the hernia instead of general anesthesia
• Can begin returning to normal activities within a few days

After Surgery

Your physician may place certain activity limitations after your surgery. Once you are permitted, begin strengthening the areas of weakness where the hernia took place.

Recuperation can include:

• Learning proper lifting techniques to avoid another hernia
• Core strengthening for those who have had abdominal hernias
• Physical therapy to strengthen the areas & muscles which have been weakened by both the hernia itself and the surgery to repair the hernia

Live Your Life Physical Therapy would like to help you return to your normal routine without pain from a hernia. We can help you Live Your Life STRONGER & HEALTHIER.

Dr. Eva Norman
President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life Physical Therapy, LLC

Cited Works: Hernia Resource Center