Originally Posted by
hamster
First of all, a healthy diaphragm is extremely hard to tear. Nearly all cases are caused by blunt force trauma such as being hit by a car.
However, if it is torn and it has not been fully healed, you're at the increased risk. Anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure can reopen the tear. This includes weight lifting, strenuous cycling, jumping (from as low as 2 feet), and even coughing.
I would suggest to give up weight lifting, to avoid intervals or any kind of strenuous aerobic exercise, and generally take it easy twice as long as your longest interval between tears.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.
Yes, I agree with you. When my first surgeon asked me what could have caused the damage, I said I dropped a 225 lb bar bell on my chest once and said that is not enough. Were you ever in a car accident?
Anyway, I think you are probably right that I didn't wait long enough before I returned to regular activity but I followed my doctor's advice. Next time, I think I will take twice as much time before I do anything physical.