Inguinal Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and occurs when part of the bowel pushes through a weakness in a part of the groin called the inguinal canal.

What causes an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia usually occurs when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pokes through into your groin at the top of your inner thigh called the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is a channel through which blood vessels to the testicles pass in men and through which the round ligament passes in women. Straining, for example on the toilet, increases pressure inside the abdomen and can trigger a hernia. Other triggers may include: obesity; a strong persistent cough, constipation and carrying or pushing heavy loads.

What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

A small bulge in one or both sides of the groin that may increase in size and disappear when lying down.
Swollen or enlarged scrotum in men.
Pain when straining, lifting or exercising
A feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin
An aching or burning feeling in the area of the bulge

Physiotherapy treatment following surgery for an inguinal hernia

An operation to repair an inguinal hernia is often required, particularly if symptoms are severe, last for a long time, or if there are complications.

Our specialist physiotherapists at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic will provide comprehensive post-operative physiotherapy treatment following your surgery. Through our treatment we aim to reduce your recovery time in order for you to return to your everyday activities safely and effectively.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: