Inguinal (groin) Hernia Recovery Chart
| Day | Pain Level | Work & School | Activity at Home & Work | Exercise & Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 - 4 1st Weekend |
Moderate pain treated by the painkillers advised on discharge (analgesic) | Patients should expect to be off from work or school for this time period. | No important plans or events should be considered for this time period. Only basic daily functions should be performed such as walking around the house, visiting the store, eating at home | No athletic activity should be performed during the first weekend |
| Day 4 - 7 1st Week |
Mild pain, occasional pain medication may be required | Most patients will be able to return to work or school by post operative Day 7. Limit lifting to 50% | Most patients will be able to resume light activities around the house and at work or school | Some light stretching, biking, walking and other slow paced activities can be performed |
| Day 7 - 14 2nd Week |
Occasional discomfort, some stiffness or soreness. Pain medication may still be required | Nearly all patients will be able to return to work or school but with lifting limits of less than 10 kgs or 75% of normal | Patients will be able to resume most activities around home and work that do not include lifting more than 10 kgs. | Jogging, biking, yoga, pilates, leisurely tennis, light weights at the gym (less than 10 kgs) |
| Day 14 - 21 3rd Week |
Minor discomfort, oral medicines are no longer usually required | All patients will be able to return to work or school but with lifting limitations of less than 10 kgs, or 75% of normal. | Return to normal home and work activities without heavy lifting (more than 10 kgs) | Running, cycling, yoga,pilates, core training, swimming, surfing, tennis, golf, light weights at the gym (less than 10 kgs) |
| After 6th Week |
Little or no discomfort, oral medicines are no longer usually required | Patients will be able to perform all activities at work or school without limitations. | Return to normal home and work activities including any heavy lifting that is required | Patients can return to all sport activities including contact sports, heavy lifting, squats, deadlifts, bench press, etc. Also good for training and competitions. |
Although this chart was compiled based on the average recovery for many hernia patients, each person will recover differently.
The most important aspect of recovery is to listen to your individual body:
- If it hurts - stop
- If it’s sore - ice it and rest it
- If the pain doesn’t go away - consult your doctor
Also, keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for patients to feel pulling, tugging, aches, burning, heaviness, swelling, occasional sharp pains, and overall ‘discomfort’ for weeks to months after hernia surgery.
Sexual activity can be resumed as soon as it is comfortable to do so.