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Begin Phase 3 exercises when you are comfortable and no longer need your pain medication, usually the third week after surgery.

Head Lifts
Purpose:
Strengthens and tones abdominal muscles, and stimulates intestinal activity

Position:
Lie on your back with your knees bent

Exercise:

• Slowly lift your head up and forward toward your chest
• Return head to floor
• Repeat five times

Bridge and Twist
Purpose:
Strengthens buttock and abdominal muscles and stimulates intestinal activity

Position:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and one pillow under your head

Exercise:

• Tighten abdominal and buttock muscles and raise hips a few inches off the bed
• In this position, twist your hips to the right and then to the left
• Lower buttocks back to the bed and relax
• Repeat

Modified Curl-Up
Purpose:
Strengthens and tones abdominal muscles and stimulates intestinal activity

Position:
Lie on your back with your knees bent, while your head and shoulders are supported by several pillows

Exercise:

• Take a deep breath
• Tuck your chin and lean forward
• Let your breath out slowly as you reach toward your knees with your hands
• Return to pillows and relax