How to do it
You need: A folded towel or firm pillow.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat, or sit well supported in a chair.
- Breathe in gently and let your tummy relax.
- As you breathe out, draw your lower tummy in a little, as if gently tightening a belt.
- Keep breathing lightly while you hold this gentle tension.
- Before you cough, sneeze, roll over, or stand up, switch this brace on and press a folded towel or your hands against the wound for support.
Form cues
- The tightening is gentle, around a quarter of your hardest effort.
- You can still talk and breathe easily while you hold the brace.
- You feel steadier through your middle, without straining.
Common mistakes
- Bracing so hard that you hold your breath or bear down.
- Pushing your tummy outward instead of drawing it gently in.
- Forgetting to support the wound with your hands or a towel when you cough or move.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if a bulge appears along the wound, or the wound area becomes hot, red, swollen, or starts to leak.