Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Back Pain and Post-Surgery Exercise Advice From Physiotherapist
Back pain can happen when the muscles supporting the spine are not strong enough for daily tasks.
Gentle exercises can help strengthen these muscles.
These include pelvic tilts, bridges, bird-dogs and modified side planks.
When lifting, bend your knees instead of your waist and do not twist.
Taking breaks during household work can also reduce strain.
After hernia repair and gallbladder surgery, walking is recommended as the main exercise.
Other gentle exercises may be done on alternate days, but stomach-tightening exercises should be avoided according to the advice.
Anyone with serious or ongoing symptoms should ask a doctor or physiotherapist for personal guidance.
Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan recommends core exercises for lower back pain triggered by bending and lifting.
Suggested exercises include pelvic tilts, glute bridges, bird-dogs and modified side planks.
Safe lifting habits include bending the knees, avoiding twisting and keeping loads close to the body.
After hernia repair and gallbladder removal, walking is recommended as the safest primary exercise.
People with severe, radiating or persistent pain should seek an in-person medical assessment.
- Who
- Senior consultant physiotherapist Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan answered questions from two readers.
- What
- The advisory provides exercise and movement guidance for lower back pain and recovery after umbilical hernia repair and gallbladder removal.
- When
- One reader said the surgeries took place in December 2025; the article gives no publication date.
- Where
- The advice appeared in an online rediffGURU health advisory.
- Why
- The guidance aims to reduce back strain, improve strength and support safe exercise after surgery.
- Back-pain exercises
- Pelvic tilts, glute bridges, bird-dogs and modified side planks were suggested.
- Lifting technique
- Keep feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, keep objects close and avoid twisting.
- Household tasks
- Break tasks into shorter periods, take standing or walking breaks and use long-handled tools.
- Post-surgery walking
- Walking for 30 minutes twice daily was described as the safest and most important exercise.
- Other post-surgery exercises
- Wall push-ups, chair sit-to-stands, gentle half squats, static lunges and selected isometric exercises were suggested.
- Exercises to avoid
- The advice says not to perform stomach isometrics such as planks or belly-tightening exercises after hernia repair.
- When to seek care
- An in-person physiotherapy assessment was advised for severe pain, pain shooting down the leg or pain that does not improve after a few weeks.