Physical Therapy

Hernia repairs are some of the most common procedures performed by general surgeons today, but many patients do not know what to expect in the recovery process. Physical therapy plays a central part in patient readiness for abdominal hernia repairs (pre-habilitation), and significantly improves recovery after surgery (rehabilitation). After undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction or hernia repair, a patient’s body has a new ability to stabilize its “core.” Physical therapy exercises can help reduce postoperative pain and are important to maintain function and flexibility.

Furthermore, certain situations can lead to destabilization of the core and result in abdominal or back pain. Such is the case with diastasis recti, a condition in which there is a widening of the linea alba, the tissue that separates the left and right rectus abdominis muscles, also knows as “six-packs”. The resulting bulge, often in the middle of the abdomen, above the navel, is a not a true hernia and most often does not require surgical correction. Physical therapy exercises are beneficial in correcting the diastasis.

At Minnesota Hernia Center, we are proud to offer a multi-disciplinary approach to treat abdominal wall conditions and restore core health. Through our partnership with Viverant Physical Therapy, our patients have access to professional expertise to help them increase strength and get ready for surgery, recover from hernia operations, or treat core problems without surgery.