4 Ways to Reduce an Umbilical Hernia With Exercise

An umbilical hernia is caused by excess pressure at the abdomen, specifically near your navel. Excess pressure causes your intestines to bulge through a weakened abdominal wall, causing swelling and pain. You can use exercise to treat umbilical hernias, although some cases may require surgery. Consult your physician for your best option.

​Read more:​ Can You Exercise With an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia most commonly affects children, but in some cases, adults can develop this condition. When a fetus is in utero, the umbilical cord passes through the abdominal muscles. After birth, the cord is cut, and this opening in the abdominal wall muscles should close.

In some cases, it might not heal fully, increasing the risk of umbilical hernia. Additional risk factors for umbilical hernia in adults include obesity, history of abdominal surgery, excess abdominal fluid or long-term kidney dialysis, according to Mayo Clinic. Multiple pregnancies can also leave you with a postpartum umbilical hernia.

​Read more:​ Foods to Avoid With a Belly Button Hernia

Exercises are an important part of umbilical hernia treatment without surgery. ​​Yoga boat pose​​ strengthens weak abdominal muscles surrounding a hernia.

​HOW TO DO IT:​ 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 is referred to as the boat pose in yoga and works your core abdominal muscles. Perform daily for five to 10 repetitions.

​​Bicycling your legs in the air​​ strengthens your lower abdominal muscles.

​HOW TO DO IT:​ Lie on a slant board. Slant boards raise your feet higher than your head, taking away excess pressure as you exercise. On your slant board, you can do bicycle leg exercises by lifting your legs toward 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.

​​Abdominal muscle mobility and flexibility​​ help reduce risk of hernia.

​HOW TO DO IT:​ 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 firmly on the ground. Hold for five to 10 seconds and return to the starting position. Repeat on the left side. Perform this stretch daily. This stretches your abdominal muscles, making them more flexible and less likely to weaken with pressure.

​​Exercise correct breathing​​ when performing any workout. Breathe from your abdomen instead of your chest. This lifts the diaphragm and releases excess abdominal pressure.

​HOW TO DO IT:​ Lie on your back on the floor. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in through your nose and fill your abdomen with air. Your lower hand should rise as you breathe in, rather than the hand that is resting on your chest.