• The health and strength of your core contributes to that of your entire body.stomach image by Indigo Fish from Fotolia.com
  
  After suffering an injury to the back, spine or abdominal area, one must treat his body with great caution when performing rehabilitation exercises. The core is closely connected to the back, and the two support each other not only during athletic activity, but every time one walks, sits and bends over. Consult a physical therapist, chiropractor or doctor before beginning a therapeutic exercise program.
  
  

Isometric Abdominal

• This is a great warm-up exercise to any abdominal rehabilitation workout. First, the exerciser will lie on his back with his knees bent. He might close his eyes and breathe deeply for a few moments so he notices the way his stomach muscles feel as they tense and release. Then, he will suck his stomach in toward his spine as much as possible and hold for three to five seconds and release. This exercise should be repeated as prescribed by one's therapist or doctor.
  
  

Alternative Leg Lift

• This exercise will activate the back and abdominals in a slow, low-stress, low-impact motion. First, the exerciser will lie on her back and place a rolled-up towel or blanket at the small of her back. The small of her back will be slightly more elevated than her gluteus and upper back. She will actively tighten her abdominal muscles then by bracing them toward the spine as if preparing for a blow to the stomach. Holding her abdominals tight, she will slide the heel of her right foot across the floor until she brings her knee to a bent position. She will slowly place the right foot back on the ground and alternate to the left leg. This exercise may be performed for up to five sets of 12-20 repetitions, or the amount prescribed by a therapist or doctor.
  
  

Bridge

• This version of the bridge does not require the exerciser to put a deep arch in his back, but rather slightly lift the hips to activate the back and stomach muscles. Once again, he will lie on his back with his knees bent. He will put his arms out to either side for stability. Next, he will squeeze his buttocks together tight and use this to lift his hips off the floor. He should keep a tight, straight line from his shoulders, down his torso and hips, all the way to his feet. Hold the position at the top for five seconds, drop the hips and repeat for up to five sets of 12-20 repetitions, or the amount prescribed.
  
  

Alternating Leg Raise

• The exerciser will lie on her stomach with her arms to either side. It might help to have the palms facing down for extra strength and stability. She will tighten her lower back and raise her legs one at a time. She should raise them as high as is comfortable. As she becomes stronger in her stomach and back, she will be able to raise her legs higher. On the leg being raised, the knee should remain locked. The other leg should be in contact with the floor, as flat as possible. She should keep her hips from tilting to the side of the raised leg. She might accomplish this by continually pressing her pelvis into the floor.