How to Do Abdominal Exercises Safely Post Abdominal Surgery
During abdominal surgery the surgeon may have to cut through the fibers and muscles that make up the core strength of your body. By doing this the surgeon has weakened the core muscular system, making back pain and hernias more likely. Healing after abdominal surgery can be a slow process and one of the main hurdles is strengthening the abdominal muscles again. Doing so without hurting the muscles can be done with simple floor exercises.
Instructions
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Strengthening
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Lie on your back with a pillow, blanket or towel under the head to support the neck and prevent the abdominal muscles from being overextended. Bend the knees so they are facing up toward the ceiling. Breathing slowly, breathe in and push your lower back into the floor while tightening the abdominal muscles. When tightening the muscle breathe out for a count of five to 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat five to 10 times two to three times a day.
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Lie on your back with the pillow under your head. Keep the knees bent and the arms out to your sides. Slowly lower the legs, keeping the knees together to your side so that the knees are pointing away from your body. Keep your shoulders and upper back in place. Bring the knees up to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Repeat five times each side two to three times a day.
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Attempt gentle head lifts after you have recovered for a two-week period and your abdominal muscles are a little less sore. Lie on the floor with your knees up and your arms by your sides. Bring your head and shoulders up slightly from the pillow and hold in place for two to three seconds. Repeat 10 to 20 times three times a day. If you feel any pain wait to do the exercise after further recovery.
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Tips & Warnings
If your abdominal muscles are very sore, have a partner assist you in your exercises, holding a hand to your body as you lift and lower body parts.
