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abdominal exercises when suffering from a small yet painful umbilical hernia

would be be helpful or worsen a small yet painful recently developed umbilical hernia to strengthen and develop my abdominal muscles with exercises such as leg lifts and sit ups? My concern would be that i do not want to make it any worse and would do any changes in lifestyle and diet to help in relieving and hopefully healing this condition without surgery but am having no help in my search on ways to help heal without surgery besides to apply ice and not lift heavy so any information will be so appreciated :)  
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Pay most attention to that last line -- this is something only your specialist can tell you, we cannot.
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Avatar universal
You can use exercise to treat umbilical hernias, some cases may need surgery.
Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Place your hands underneath your thighs, and gently lift your legs toward your chest, keeping them straight. Hold for 10 seconds, and release, returning to starting position. This works your core abdominal muscles. Do daily for five to 10 repetitions.

Lie on a slant board. Slant boards raise your feet higher than your head, taking away excess pressure as you exercise. On the slant board, you can do bicycle leg exercises by lifting your legs towards your chest. Pedal your legs while you hold your sides to stabilize yourself. Do these exercises at least three times a week for 10 to 15 minutes.

Lie on your back on the floor with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle. Turn your bent legs to your right until they touch the floor, keeping your back on the ground. Hold for five to 10 seconds, and return to starting position. Repeat on the left side. Do this stretch daily. This stretches your abdominal muscles, making them more flexible and less likely to weaken with pressure.

You need to use correct breathing when performing any workout. Breathe from your abdomen instead of your chest. This lifts the diaphragm and releases excess abdominal pressure.

You need to give those muscles time to strengthen and thereby reduce the hernia.
Before doing anything get the OK from your doctor!!
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Arlington, VA
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