Can Exercise Help in the Pilonidal Sinus?

The term pilonidal sinus refers to a small cavity or tunnel found at the top of your buttocks. This condition does not have a fixed set of symptoms at first, but if the cavity gets infected, you will experience a wide array of things like:

1. Irritation and mild pangs of pain while sitting/standing
2. Swelling near your buttocks
3. Extended redness and rashes in the area
4. Pus/Blood disposal
5. Bad smell
6. Small holes/cavities formation
7. Fever

This set of symptoms should instigate you to consult a medical professional for an expert opinion on your condition. If left untreated, the sinus will slowly fill with blood and pus, developing into a cyst.

It is imperative to keep your health and posture in check, and there is no better way of doing it than indulging in physical exercise. In the case of a pilonidal sinus, exercising regularly will help you to keep your body weight and general wellness in check.

However, you must ensure seeking professional advice before starting your workout regime. The exercises should be approved by your medical caregiver so that everything is in accordance with the severity of your infection.

There are a bunch of exercises and yoga poses that can help you to fight the constant battles with constipation while improving your mobility. If you have a severe infection that can only be treated with surgical options, these exercises will help you recover faster.

1. Kapalbhati
   A renowned method of pranayam, Kapalbhati is one of the best exercises to perform while recovering from an infected pilonidal sinus. It helps with the overall well-being of the body and should be practised every day during the wee hours.
   Steps to perform Kapalbhati:
   1. Correct the posture of your body, and make sure your spine is straight when you sit down on the floor.
   2. You can opt to use a yoga mat for ease in performing the exercises.
   3. Put your hands on your ease while the palms face upwards.
   4. Inhale a long deep breath and exhale while retracting your abdominal area.
   5. Repeat the pattern for 20 breaths, and perform a minimum of three sets to flush out toxins.
2. Anulom Vilom
   Anulom Vilom is yet another popular pranayam technique that has helped patients by easing out pain through focused breathing. It is also a proven meditation technique that will help you to relax your mind.
   ​​​​​​​Steps to perform Anulom Vilom:
   1. Sit firmly on the ground/yoga mat and get your back in the right posture to allow the free circulation of blood.
   2. Take a few deep breaths, and then block your right nostril with the help of your thumb.
   3. Inhale from the left nostril and block it right after to hold your breath for a few seconds.
   4. With your left nostril blocked, try to exhale from the right nostril, which was initially blocked.
   5. Repeat the process a minimum of 12 times.
3. Sarvangasana
   By being a tougher nut to crack in the entire arsenal of exercises, the Sarvangasana requires immense practice and dedication for its mastery. Once you start doing this asana correctly, there is no going back to bad vascular functioning.
   ​​​​​​​Steps to perform Sarvangasana:
   1. Lie down on your back, and put your hands on any side according to your comfort and convenience.
   2. Pull your legs near your chest, and try to elevate your lower body off the floor.
   3. Provide support to your back by using your hands.
   4. Maintain an erect posture, and lift your legs.
   5. For effective results, try holding the pose for a minimum of 10 seconds.
4. Paripurna Navasana (Boat Pose):
   Paripurna Navasana, which is popularly known as the ‘Boat Pose’, is one of the most effective remedies that neutralise the pain for patients dealing with an infected pilonidal sinus. It will help you to gain strength and shape your lower body, thus reducing the intensity of the pain.
   ​​​​​​​Steps to perform Paripurna Navasana:
   1. Sit down on a yoga mat to stretch your legs out to the maximum capacity.
   2. Place your hands gently on the floor, inhale, and raise your legs to a 45-degree angle.
   3. Try to bring your hips closer to your navel, and attempt to straighten your knees.
   4. Hold this pose for a minimum of 30 seconds before releasing.

Any activity that proves to be laborious and requires a rigorous effort should be avoided while treating an infected pilonidal sinus.

You must avoid:

1. Jerks
2. Cycling
3. Horse riding
4. Driving on bumpy terrains.

You can opt to:

1. Jog lightly
2. Do mild exercises
3. Wait for your doctor to alter your exercise pattern
4. Must wear loose clothes that provide ample circulation of air while maintaining a significant distance from the infected area
5. Must also stand up once every hour if your job demands long hours of sitting

Living with pilonidal sinus can be challenging, but you can usually manage it with a few home remedies and lifestyle changes. Even with a mild pilonidal sinus, you cannot escape the pain and discomfort for long. Timely treatment of pilonidal sinus can prevent unpleasant complications, helping you live a healthy life. 

Get in touch with the experts at HexaHealth, who provide prompt and effective solutions to all your problems related to pilonidal sinuses. The team is equipped with the right set of knowledge and skillsets to provide relief while imparting important insights that can turn out to be crucial.