We recommend consulting a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to ensure exercises are best suited to your recovery. If you are carrying out an exercise regime without consulting a healthcare professional, you do so at your own risk. If you have any concerns whilst completing these exercises, please contact a healthcare professional.
The initial phase of rehabilitation focuses on soft tissue healing and gentle strengthening (4). In the post-surgical cases, emphasis will be placed on spinal mobility, multi-planar hip isometrics (creating muscle tension without joint movement) and isometric transverse abdominis and oblique work which lie below and to each side of the abdominals, respectively (2). Pain levels should be kept within firm boundaries; on a self-perceived pain scale from 0-10 (10 being the worst), pain at rest should not exceed 2/10 and with exercise, it should remain below 6-7/10 (3).
As pain-free range of motion returns and strength starts to develop, active mobility, dynamic stability and low-level resistance exercises can be introduced (2). The focus should be placed on abdominal muscle strengthening, normalising hip and lower back range of motion and strength and optimising dynamic core stability (4). Your Physio will guide you through the transition from weight-bearing and functional positions with resistance gradually added (3). As per the early plan, pain should not exceed 7/10 and pain at rest should be kept below 2/10.