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Abdominal exercises for stoma management: Pelvic tilt (Video 1 of 3)

Keeping your abdominal and deep muscles in tip top shape for optimal stoma management. This can be done on your bed if this is easier for you to access. Let’s begin with the Pelvic tilt…

  • Lie on your back on a comfortable surface, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Breathe normally.
  • Think of your abdomen as a clock…12 o’clock at the top under ribs and 6 o’clock at the bottom near your groin.
  • Tilt pelvis all the way to 12 o’clock as back flattens against the floor and then roll pelvis forward to 6 o’clock and you will feel your back arch. Do this a few times, gently rolling pelvis back and forth. It really helps mobility of the back.  Depending on your level of activity you may find it helpful to complete this exercise up to 3 times a day, especially if you are resting or sitting for long periods.
  • Once you are comfortable with the movement find the area in the middle of that 12 and 6 o’clock position…we want you to find what we call a neutral spine position, as this leads us on to other exercises. If you are in the neutral spine position someone should be able to slide their fingertips between your back and the floor.

If you have any questions on this exercise please contact your local physiotherapist, accredited exercise physiologist or stomal therapy nurse before performing.

About Kate

Kate Bell is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based in the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane, Kate’s career has also been influenced by a Bachelor in Education. This mix has led Kate to having a passion for educating students and graduate Exercise Physiologists, patients, and other health professionals on the benefits of exercise. Kate regards that the time she takes to ‘zoom out’ and consider the whole patient before making an appropriate plan for the individual the best part of her role. Kate’s interests lie with in chronic disease management, bone health and behaviour change.

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