Post-Hernia Repair Rehabilitation Treatment at Physiocare

Treatments We Offer Across Our Ottawa Clinics

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)

DNS retrains deep core activation patterns by reconnecting your brain with stabilizing muscles. After hernia surgery, your body compensates with incorrect movement strategies. DNS uses developmental positions to restore proper neuromuscular control, ensuring your repaired abdominal wall functions efficiently without excessive strain. This approach reduces recurrence risk while building foundational strength for long-term recovery.

Myofascial Release

Surgical incisions create adhesions and tightness in fascial layers surrounding your repair site. Myofascial release uses gentle, sustained pressure to release restrictions, improve tissue mobility, and reduce pulling sensations. By addressing fascial tension, this treatment enhances blood flow, accelerates healing, and restores comfortable movement patterns throughout your abdomen and lower back.

Visceral Work

Visceral manipulation addresses internal organ mobility affected by surgical trauma and scar tissue. Your intestines, bladder, and surrounding structures may develop adhesions that limit movement and cause discomfort. Gentle visceral techniques improve organ glide, reduce internal pulling sensations, and support digestive function, creating a more comfortable environment for your surgical repair to heal optimally.

Craniosacral Therapy

This subtle technique releases tension throughout your fascial system, from skull to sacrum. Post-surgical stress affects your entire body—not just the surgical site. Craniosacral therapy calms your nervous system, reduces systemic inflammation, and promotes deep relaxation. Patients often report improved sleep, reduced anxiety about movement, and enhanced overall recovery when this therapy complements their rehabilitation program.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage uses light, rhythmic strokes to stimulate lymph fluid movement, reducing post-surgical swelling and accelerating waste removal from healing tissues. Swelling around your surgical site can delay recovery and increase discomfort. This gentle technique enhances your immune response, minimizes bruising, and creates optimal conditions for tissue repair without adding strain to your surgical area.

Pneumatic Compression

Pneumatic compression devices apply controlled pressure cycles to reduce persistent swelling and improve circulation. If you’re experiencing stubborn edema around your incision site or throughout your abdomen, this therapy complements manual techniques by mechanically encouraging fluid movement. Enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues while removing inflammatory byproducts more efficiently.

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy penetrates deep into tissues, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation at the surgical site. Photobiomodulation accelerates wound healing, decreases pain signals, and minimizes scar tissue formation. Non-invasive and painless, laser treatments support your body’s natural healing mechanisms, helping you progress through rehabilitation stages more comfortably and effectively.

Deep Oscillation Therapy (DOT)

DOT creates electrostatic pulses that gently oscillate tissues without causing pain or stress to your repair. This unique therapy reduces inflammation, improves lymphatic drainage, and accelerates healing while being completely comfortable for sensitive post-surgical areas. Patients appreciate how DOT provides relief without requiring direct pressure on tender incision sites.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

TENS uses mild electrical currents to interrupt pain signals traveling to your brain, providing non-pharmaceutical pain relief. After hernia repair, managing discomfort without relying solely on medications helps you stay active and engaged in rehabilitation. TENS units can be used at home between clinic visits, giving you control over your comfort level throughout recovery.

IFC (Interferential Current Therapy)

IFC delivers deeper-penetrating electrical stimulation than TENS, reducing pain and swelling while promoting muscle reeducation. This therapy reaches tissues beneath your surgical site, addressing deeper inflammation and helping restore normal muscle activation patterns. IFC supports your transition from passive pain management to active core strengthening exercises safely.