How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery?

Question

I had diastasis recti after my 2nd son. After my 3rd son the surgeon sewed the stomach muscle back together during the c-section. It will be a year the 29th of June that the muscle has been sewn together. I have been doing the Tupler technique for about 4 months. Would it be safe to start doing crunches a little at a time now? I have been afraid of tearing the muscle again.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

I let my patients resume cardio and exercise at 2 weeks after a tummy tuck (but no weights). At 4 weeks they can do weights.  At 6 weeks they can do situps and "abdominal crunches".  That is that last thing to wait on to ensure the plication sutures don't come loose!  so I do think it's important to wait the full 6 weeks for ab workouts. I hope this helps!

J. Roberto Ramirez Gavidia, MD, FACS · Answer

At 2 weeks, your tissues will be around 70% of the preoperative strength. At 6 weeks, it will be 90%. From 6 weeks on it will to different changes (remodeling). This is why it takes around 6 months for it to see final results. At this time I would recommend you to start exercising your abdominal muscles. I agree with the idea of starting light and then working you self up. Best, Dr. RG

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients who
undergo repair of a rectus diastasis can anticipate limited physical activity
for two weeks following surgery. During
this period of time patients are allowed kitchen and bathroom privileges. At two weeks, they’re allowed to gradually
resume normal activities with the exception of strenuous activities.Patients can usually return to work in two
weeks if no strenuous activity is involved. After 6 to 8 weeks they can resume all their normal activities including
heavy lifting and strenuous activity.It’s important to go slow at first
and gradually resume your normal exercise routine.Make sure you listen to your body.If you’re not ready for a specific activity
your body will let you know.In someone
who’s one year post-op there should be no restrictions on physical activity.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It should be safe for you to start doing abdominal exercises given that it's been a year since your surgery. Strenuous physical activity like strength training and sit-ups are not permitted until 6 weeks after surgery, and you are well past that.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

I tell my patients that if they heal normally, they should expect to have no limitations in abdominal exercise at 6 weeks after surgery. You really should have no concerns about any activity at this point.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

Normally a you can start doing core work in about six weeks after a TT ....but....most of the utilize patients are still too sore for full activity but by one year you should be fine..People that have true Hernias are always at risk to develop new ones their whole life so take it easy!

How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery?

Answers (12)

Answer: 6 weeks after surgery

Answer: 6 weeks after surgery

Answer: Exercise after abdominal muscle repair

Answer: Exercise after abdominal muscle repair

Answer: How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery? ANS:

Answer: How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery? ANS:

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How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery?

Answers (12)

Answer: 6 weeks after surgery

Answer: 6 weeks after surgery

Answer: Exercise after abdominal muscle repair

Answer: Exercise after abdominal muscle repair

Answer: How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery? ANS:

Answer: How Long to Wait to Do Abdominal Exercises After Surgery? ANS:

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Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.