Colon resection surgery, also called a colectomy, is a common treatment for colon cancer and other conditions that require a section of your colon to be removed. During a colon resection, the diseased portion of the colon is surgically removed, and the two healthy ends of the colon are reattached. To reach the colon, a surgeon has to cut through layers of abdominal muscle tissue. As a result of surgery, your abdominal muscles will atrophy, and scar tissue will form. As you recover, physical therapy exercises that are designed to rebuild strength in the abdominal muscles are required. Always consult your physician before starting a new exercise program.
Abdominal Plank
Lie down on your stomach and prop yourself up with your elbows. Your elbows should be at your chest, with your forearms flat on the floor. Hold your legs out straight with your feet together. Lift your hips into the air so that the only body parts that are touching the floor are your forearms and your toes. Keep your elbows directly below your shoulders and your back and legs straight throughout the exercise. Contract your abdominal muscles and hold this position for as long as you can. Perform two to three sets, holding for about 15 seconds each time.
Side Plank
Begin by lying on your side with your legs out straight and one foot on top of the other. Prop yourself up with your elbow and keep your entire forearm flat on the floor. Place your other hand on the outside of your hip. With your back and legs straight, raise your body off the floor so that only your forearm and your foot are in contact with the floor. Hold this position for about 15 seconds and repeat on your other side.
Lying Hyperextension
Lie flat on your stomach on the floor with your legs straight out behind you. Extend your arms toward your hips with your palms pressed into the floor. While keeping your chin up and looking forward, tighten your abdominals and lower back as you slowly raise your shoulders and chest up off the floor. Hold for three seconds, maintaining tension in your abdominals, and lower yourself back down to the starting position. Repeat for two to three sets of about 12 to 15 repetitions.
Flutter Kick
Lie on your back with your legs out straight and feet close together. Hold your arms straight to your sides with your palms pressed down into the floor. Lift your heels about 6 inches off the floor and make small, quick up-and-down motions with your legs. Make sure to tighten your abdominals as you kick. Perform two to three sets of about 25 to 30 repetitions each set.
References
- "Physiology of Sport and Exercise"; Jack H. Wilmore, David L. Costill; 2004
- "Essentials of Athletic Training"; Daniel D. Arnheim, William E. Prentice, 2002
