You may find exercise as a solution to avoid and cure many of your health problems. Sometimes, simple exercises could do enough, which even medications would not do. Moreover, if the activities are done perfectly, there would be no side effects compared to drugs having several side effects.

But one of the questions which could typically arise in our minds is whether exercises could avoid and cure hiatal hernia? We shall briefly discuss this question and a few activities that could help remedy the problem. But before separately discussing the physiotherapy exercises to fix hiatal hernia, we shall see what hiatal hernia is?

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia refers to a situation when a person’s stomach passes into his chest cavity. A hiatal hernia gives its way onto the stomach and may enter the esophagus.

The symptoms of hiatal hernia vary widely, depending upon the severity. Larger and severe hernias must be removed through surgery; however, smaller hernias may heal by physiotherapy and stretches that can strengthen the diaphragm and simple medications. The exercises can help relieve some symptoms and reduce the risk.

It is generally caused by strain on the diaphragm due to prolonged coughing and heavy lifting. Smoking may also be a leading cause of hiatal hernia.

There are two types of hiatal hernia:

  1. Sliding Hernia
  2. Paraesophageal Hernia

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia can cause different symptoms in different patients. Some patients even do not experience any symptoms at all. However, the typical symptoms caused by hiatal hernia are:

● Throat irritation

● Difficulty swallowing

● Belching

● Symptoms associated with heartburn

In some cases, it may also cause leakage of stomach acid into the esophagus, termed gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux.

Physiotherapy Exercises and Stretches to Treat Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia

If you are looking for a natural way to get rid of a hernia, you may also find some diet and exercises that could strengthen your stomach area.

If you have acid reflux, exercises may aggravate symptoms of hiatal hernia.

Exercise to Strengthen Your Diaphragm

Diaphragmatic breathing comprises more profound breathing techniques that help increase the efficiency of oxygen flow. These exercises help make your diaphragm strong over time. One of the joint exercises to strengthen your diaphragm can be done by following the steps mentioned below:

  1. Sit down or lie and place one hand on your chest and the other hands on your belly.
  2. Breath in as deeply as you can till you feel that your stomach presses against your hand.
  3. Keep your lungs air filled for a while, and then exhale the air. You will feel your stomach will move back away from your hand.
  4. Repeat this exercise for several breaths each day.

Exercises to Strengthen Your Stomach Muscles

Exercises that could strengthen your stomach muscles are believed to cure or prevent the symptoms of hiatal hernia.

The exercise mentioned below is simple and is suitable for strengthening your stomach muscles. Just follow the steps below:

  1. Lie flat on the floor of your house against your back and bend your knees, letting your feet touch the floor.
  2. Lift your buttock and lower back off the ground, leaving your shoulders and feet, and shoulder on the floor.
  3. Hold the posture for about a couple of seconds.
  4. It is recommended to repeat this exercise several times a day.

Yoga

Gentle yoga can help you relieve the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Some poses, i.eThe chair pose, are believed to strengthen your abdominal area even without straining it.

The poses can be changed according to your situation of hiatal hernia. Be sure to tell your yoga instructor your problem first. Some inversions, such as Bridge and Forward Fold, may even contribute to worsening your symptoms.

Exercises to Lose Weight

Weight loss could also help relieve your symptoms of hiatal hernia. You may take your diet accordingly and see a magical effect over the symptoms of hiatal hernia. Because exercise and diet can help reduce calories of your body, and ultimately need to burn body fats.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy and exercises are the ultimate solutions for many medical problems, and therefore, we can acquire them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. You can even prevent those problems if you exercise correctly, and this could only happen under the supervision of an expert Physiotherapist. To consult the best Physiotherapist, visit MARHAM.PK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Will quitting smoking help fight against hiatal hernia?

Smoking may be a leading cause of hiatal hernia; therefore, quitting smoking could help fight hiatal hernia. Therefore, many doctors advise limiting and stopping smoking.

2- Can you exercise with a hiatal hernia?

You can work while having a hiatal hernia. Exercises are good to lose weight, which could help burn fats in your body and ultimately reduce the symptoms of hiatal hernia.

3- Is there surgery required for the elimination of hiatal hernia?

The typical hernia may be cured if you use a set of exercises and medications in a balanced proportion. However, if the situation worsens, your doctor may suggest you have surgery.

4- What eating routines should I adopt while having a hiatal hernia?

If you have a Hiatal Hernia, try avoiding overeating. The doctor may also advise you to avoid sleeping for at least three hours after having a meal.