2 Safe Ab Exercises To Do After Spine Surgery

Physical therapy is an important part of a successful surgical recovery. But you should be strategic about the specific exercises you do while recovering. Certain stretches and exercises (standard sit ups, for example) can put excess pressure on the surgical wounds in your back and cause irritation when your body is trying to heal itself. In this article, we will outline a few safe ab exercises you can do at home after surgery to improve your core strength and mobility post-op.

Plank

Planking is a great exercise that gives you a good ab workout without having to curl or twist your spine. Here are step-by-step instructions:

• Get down on the ground into the standard push up position.
• Instead of placing your hands on the ground, put your forearms on the floor underneath you and your hands together so your elbows form a triangle.
• Keep your body as straight and perpendicular to the floor as possible.
• Hold for 10 seconds and release.
• Repeat as able.

Leg Lifts

Leg lifts are an easy way to engage your lower ab muscles without requiring any spinal movement. Here’s how to do them:

• Lie down with your legs out in front of you and your arms at your sides.
• Slowly lift your right leg to the ceiling while keeping your knee locked.
• Hold for a few seconds and return to the floor.
• Repeat with the other leg.

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Or call 727-MY-SPINE to talk to a patient care specialist.