QuestionHello again =)
Thank you so much for your help on my last question regarding if I can do exercises to minimize my gap. I have a 2 finger gap in the upper abdomen, but it is about 3 finger gap around the navel. As a result, I believe, I also have an umbilical hernia which the doctor confirmed and just made no big deal about it. It is a small ball right at the belly button, pretty hard when I'm standing, and again, it doesn't hurt. I go online though and people say it is better to not exert yourself because the hernia can grow. Is this true? Or can those transverse abdominal exercises still be safe for this kind of hernia and perhaps help?
Have any of your customers had umbilical hernias and been just fine without surgery?
I just want to keep living an active lifestyle, while being educated that the changes that have happened in my body are ok, and don't need surgery in order for me to achieve this =)
Thanks so much for your help,
Mary
AnswerTransverse Abdominis isolations, and all of the exercises that utilize "belly scooping" in the supine position (lying on your back) should be OK for you to perform. But you certainly should monitor your umbilical hernia carefully.
Do not perform any movements that cause your hernia to pop out. When supine, your hernia should fall back into your abdominal cavity. If it does not, call your OBGYN right away and get evaluated.
In most cases, Drs. like to correct umbilical hernias, and it's generally covered by insurance too, as in rare cases tissue can become stuck in the hole, and this requires emergency surgery to correct.
Avoid all crunch type exercises and all heavy lifting and carrying. Use the "log roll" technique when getting in and out of bed, or when getting up from lying on the floor.
If I were in your position, I would consider getting a second opinion as to whether or not your condition needs medical treatment.
