Beginner Rehabilitation for Acute Abdominal Injuries

Pain level at rest ≤2/10 on VAS scale,Ability to perform gentle diaphragmatic breathing without exacerbation,No increase in abdominal distension or discomfort with light coughing,Palpation tenderness of rectus abdominis and linea alba manageable,Ability to activate transverse abdominis in supine hook-lying position,No urinary stress incontinence with light coughing

→ Advance to: Early Stabilization

Pain ≤2/10 during activities of daily living,Can sustain 10-second pelvic floor muscle contraction in hook-lying,Transverse abdominis activation measurable via pressure biofeedback (5mmHg increase from baseline),Diaphragm excursion functional during deep breathing without pain,External oblique and internal oblique show no tenderness to palpation, Able to maintain neutral spine during prone lying for 2 minutes

→ Advance to: Strength Building

Pelvic floor muscle strength grade 3/5 on modified Oxford scale,Can perform 10 repetitions of abdominal bracing without compensation,Rectus abdominis endurance test ≥20 seconds in curl-up position,No provocation of symptoms with loaded flexion activities,Diaphragmatic breathing coordinated with pelvic floor activation,Can maintain core stability during upper extremity movements in seated position

→ Advance to: Functional Integration

External oblique and internal oblique demonstrate bilateral strength 4/5,Transverse abdominis can be activated during functional movements without cueing,Plank hold ≥30 seconds in modified plank position,No recurrence of symptoms with valsalva maneuver in controlled setting,Pelvic floor can coordinate with increased intra-abdominal pressure demands,Can perform activities requiring trunk rotation without pain

→ Advance to: Return to Activity

Full range of trunk flexion and extension without symptoms,Linea alba integrity confirmed (no diastasis provocation),Can return to pre-injury activity at modified intensity,Pelvic floor function normalizes during high-impact activities,Diaphragm and core synergy restored during exertion,Patient reports return to 80% of pre-injury functional capacity

→ Advance to: Discharge