Hernias can be a frustrating and painful condition, often affecting daily activities, core strength, and overall well-being. While surgery is sometimes necessary, pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role in managing symptoms, supporting recovery, and preventing recurrence. If you’re dealing with a hernia or considering surgery, incorporating pelvic floor PT into your treatment plan may be a game-changer.
Understanding Hernias & Their Impact on the Pelvic Floor
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or fascia. While hernias can appear in various locations, the most common types include:
- Inguinal Hernia – Occurs in the groin, more common in men.
- Femoral Hernia – Appears in the upper thigh/groin area, more common in women.
- Umbilical Hernia – Found near the belly button, often present from birth or due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Incisional Hernia – Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision.
Hernias often result from increased intra-abdominal pressure, which can stem from heavy lifting, chronic coughing, pregnancy, constipation, or even excessive straining during bowel movements. Since the pelvic floor helps regulate intra-abdominal pressure, its dysfunction can contribute to hernia formation or hinder recovery.
How Pelvic Floor PT Helps with Hernias
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on optimizing core stability, reducing strain, and improving movement patterns to support the healing process. Here’s how it can help:
1. Core & Pelvic Floor Strengthening
A well-functioning core—including the pelvic floor, diaphragm, deep abdominals, and lower back muscles—distributes pressure effectively. PT exercises can target these muscles, reducing the strain on weakened areas and preventing further herniation.
2. Breathwork & Pressure Management
Many people unknowingly hold their breath or brace incorrectly, leading to excessive intra-abdominal pressure. A pelvic floor PT can teach proper breathing techniques (such as diaphragmatic breathing) to improve pressure distribution and prevent worsening of hernias.
3. Postural & Movement Retraining
Poor posture and improper movement mechanics (e.g., lifting with the back instead of the legs) can contribute to hernia development. A PT can guide you through proper body mechanics to minimize strain during daily activities.
4. Reducing Chronic Straining & Constipation
Straining during bowel movements increases intra-abdominal pressure, exacerbating hernia symptoms. PT can include strategies to improve bowel habits, such as:
- Using proper toileting techniques (e.g., squatting position, avoiding excessive wiping).
- Dietary recommendations to promote regularity.
- Pelvic floor relaxation exercises to ease bowel movements.
5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
For those undergoing hernia repair surgery, pelvic floor PT aids in post-operative recovery by:
- Reducing scar tissue restrictions.
- Restoring core function.
- Gradually reintroducing movement and strength training safely.
Here at Legacy Physical Therapy we have a shockwave device that can be very effective in improving scar restrictions. To learn more about shockwave for post-operative scar tissue check this blog post out: https://legacytherapystl.com/how-shockwave-therapy-can-help-with-post-op-scars/
Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor PT for Hernias?
Pelvic floor PT isn’t just for those with pelvic pain—anyone experiencing a hernia or at risk of one (e.g., pregnant individuals, athletes, post-surgical patients) can benefit. It’s particularly valuable for those looking to avoid surgery or seeking a smoother recovery post-operation.
If you’re dealing with a hernia, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a proactive and effective approach to managing symptoms and strengthening your core. Whether you’re trying to prevent a hernia, recover from one, or optimize post-surgical healing, working with a pelvic floor PT can provide long-term benefits. Schedule a FREE discovery visit with one of our skilled pelvic floor therapists to learn more about how we can help!
