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Physiotherapist Mekaela Hockey
Updated 11-7-25
When to Stop
Discontinue if pain exceeds 3/10
1Bridge [Segmental]
3 sets of 10 reps
Twice / day
  • Push through your feet to lift your bum up in the air.
  • When lowering down, try to roll your spine down one segment/vertebrae at a time.
  • This is a great way to re-introduce flexion/bending in a safe and comfortable position.
2Side Plank [Kneeling]
3 sets of 10 reps
Red Band
  • Come into a side lying position with the elbow stacked directly underneath the shoulder resting on the outside aspect of your arm.
  • Bend the knees so the heels are in line with the buttocks.
  • Place the hand onto the hip or extend the arm to the roof.
  • With the weight in the knees and the elbow, lift the hips towards the roof.
  • Ensure the buttocks moves forwards and doesn’t arch out from the lower back.
Mekaela Hockey Peak Physio Newcastle Budgewoi

With top leg lifting

3Knees to Chest
4 sets
30 seconds
Four times / day
  • Lie on your back.
  • Raise both knees towards your chest.
  • Using your hands, hug your knees further into your chest – as far as comfortable.
  • You should feel a gentle stretch near the base of your spine.
  • Complete this exercise as prescribed by your physiotherapist.
4Lumbar Rotation
2 sets of 15 reps
Four times / day
  • Lie on your back with your knees bent so your feet are flat on the ground.
  • Keeping your knees together, gently rock them to one side.
  • Simultaneously look the other direction from where your knees are falling.
  • Repeat this in the other direction for the prescribed amount or as otherwise instructed by your physiotherapist.
5Side Plank [Full]
3 sets
30 seconds
  • Come into side lying with the elbow underneath the shoulder.
  • Straighten the legs and position the feet on top of each other.
  • Press through the border of each foot and the elbow as you lift the hips away from the floor.
  • Ensure you keep the pelvis stacked.
6Plank [Full]
2 sets
45
  • Come into a 4-point kneeling position and reach the hands in front of the shoulders.
  • Press through the hands as you curl the toes under and straighten the knees.
  • There should now be a straight horizontal line from the head to the tailbone.
  • Draw the lower belly away from the waist band of your pants.
  • Ensure that the buttocks remains in line with the shoulders.
  • Note: this can also be performed on the elbows if the wrists are limiting.

7Deadbug
3 sets of 15 reps
  • Lie on your back with knees bent up.
  • Slowly one leg at a time bring your legs into tabletop position.
  • Extend both arms to the ceiling directly in front of your chest.
  • Extend opposite arm and opposite leg away from your trunk breathing out as you do.
  • Bring the arm and leg back to the start point while breathing in.
  • Repeat on the opposite side or as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
8Deadbug
3 sets of 10 reps
Red Band
  • Lie on your back with knees bent up.
  • Slowly one leg at a time bring your legs into tabletop position.
  • Extend both arms to the ceiling directly in front of your chest.
  • Extend opposite arm and opposite leg away from your trunk breathing out as you do.
  • Bring the arm and leg back to the start point while breathing in.
  • Repeat on the opposite side or as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.