Abdominal Muscle Strain Exercises

What is it?

An abdominal (belly) muscle strain is when your abdominal muscle is suddenly pulled or twisted. When this happens a tiny tear occurs in the muscle. Strained muscles happen more easily when muscles are not stretched or warmed up before working out. Sometimes they happen when the muscle is overused. Ask your caregiver for more information about other ways to treat your injury.

Do's and Don'ts:

Caregivers may tell you to remain pain-free as you use your abdomen more. If your injury does not improve, call your caregiver.

Exercises:

• Ab Pushes: Using both hands, press your finger tips several inches into your abdomen. Then, while exhaling, use your abdominal muscles to push your fingers out. Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 20 times.
  
  
• Trunk Rotation Stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keeping your back flat and your knees together, lower your knees to one side. Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times on each side.
  
  
• Press Up: Lie on your stomach with your hands in a push-up position. Slowly perform a push-up keeping your hips and legs in contact with the floor. Be sure to keep your low back and buttocks relaxed. Hold 5 seconds. Return to starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.