Abdominal surgeries include cesarean sections, hysterectomies, gallbladder and appendix removals and procedures performed to treat abdominal infections. During open-incision surgery, your surgeon slices through your abdominal wall. Laparoscopic abdominal surgery, on the other hand, involves tiny incisions and is much less invasive. Both methods require penetration of the abdominal wall, resulting in weakened abdominal muscles after your surgery. Safe abdominal exercises are a critical component of recovery.
Step 1
Get clearance from your doctor. Follow instructions for post-operative care and wait the recommended amount of time before initiating any exercise program.
Step 2
Perform a pelvic tilt. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Pull your belly button into your spine and stabilize your core. Slowly push your back into the floor by tilting your pelvis upward. Hold for 10 seconds before relaxing. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Step 3
Perform heel slides. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Pull your belly button into your spine and stabilize your core. Slowly slide your right heel out until your leg is fully extended. Using your abdominal muscles, gently pull your leg back into the bent position. Repeat the movement with your left leg. Complete 10 repetitions on each leg.
Step 4
Perform oblique twists. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Pull your belly button into your spine and stabilize your core. Keeping your abdominal muscles contracted, gently roll your knees to your right side. Keep your shoulders in place on the floor as your roll your knees. Slowly pull your knees back to center and then roll them to the left. Perform the exercise 10 times to each side.
Step 5
Perform a stomach vacuum. Get on all fours with your knees directly under your hips and your hands directly under shoulders. Take a deep breath in and allow your belly to hang loosely. As you exhale, draw your belly button into your spine and contract your abdominal muscles. Hold the contraction for 10 to 20 seconds, then relax. Repeat the exercise five times.
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