Abdominal rehabilitation

Regaining your core fitness

Pace yourself

Various factors can affect your recovery time.

It is generally considered that 6 weeks is an average timeline for healing post-surgery. Please however note that, one size does not fit all, and your recovery time will be based on several factors. This includes the type of surgery you had, and any underlying medical conditions/further treatment. It is important that you pace your recovery and try not to compare yourself to other people. Don’t try and rush to get back too soon, but equally if you are feeling well then you should take confidence from this and continue to progress.

Alongside the exercises below it is recommended that you build up your walking. Start with 5-10 mins 1-2 times a day for the first 7-10 days post surgery. You can then aim to increase this up to 20 mins twice a day up to 3 weeks post surgery. After this time you should continue to progress your walking further and if possible increase the pace.

Once you reach 6 weeks post op you can start to consider returning progressively to previous activities. Any lifting should be done with a good technique and you should avoid heavy or awkward lifting.

Core exercises and pelvic floor exercises should be continued forever as part of your routine.

Follow medical advice at all times

Please do not carry out any of the exercises below if you have been advised by your surgeon not to do so.

When exercising at home…

Avoid being too sedentary and inactive – just aim to move a bit more each day
Aim to try and go for a short walk every day – get out and get some fresh air
Carry out the exercises as guided by the team at AAC to strengthen your muscles and build your confidence
Focus on good hydration and nutrition
Get enough rest and sleep to help your body to recover. Remember to pace your activities – little and often is just as effective
Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing
Keep track of progress and only do the level of exercise you feel confident doing

Stop exercising if you suddenly experience…

Chest pains or tightness
Dizziness or nausea
Clamminess or cold
Increasing wheeziness/ shortness of breath
Joint or muscle pain over and above the level of exercise you are doing. All little muscle ache is good
Feeling overly tired
A feeling of bulging around your stoma (if applicable)

Safe Moving

These videos show you how to move to safely and easily into and out of bed following your surgery. It is a good idea to practice these before your surgery.

In to bed

Safely move in to bed following your surgery.

Out of bed

Safely move out of bed following your surgery.

Pre-surgery and the first few days after your surgery

These videos show breathing exercises that you can practice prior to your surgery and in the first few days after your surgery.

Abdominal breathing

Ensures you are using the right muscles to expand your lungs.

Abdominal breathing in standing

The abdominal breathing exercise can also be done in standing.

Umbrella breathing in sitting

Encourages you to expand your ribcage and help you breathe deeply.

Umbrella breathing in standing

The umbrella breathing exercise can also be done in standing.

Pelvic floor exercises

Please click to download our guide. It is vital that you carry out your pelvic floor exercises post surgery unless you have been advised otherwise by your surgeon.