Core and Trunk Strength Exercises for Children Recovering From Brain Surgery
By Haris Bin Tahir
Father of a hydrocephalus survivor. Independent researcher. Not a doctor.
Founder, Brain Care Path · braincarepath.com
Key Takeaways
- Trunk control is foundational — nearly every other physical milestone (sitting, walking, reaching) depends on core stability first
- Children recovering from neurological surgery often lose core strength during hospitalization and recovery, even without direct injury to that area
- Simple, age-appropriate exercises can be done safely at home alongside formal physical therapy
- Always get clearance from your child’s physical therapist or surgeon before starting a new exercise routine post-surgery
- Progress is often slow and non-linear — consistency matters more than intensity
After brain surgery, the milestones parents watch for most closely tend to be the big, visible ones — walking, talking, returning to school. Trunk and core strength rarely gets mentioned by name, and yet it is quietly the foundation almost everything else depends on. A child cannot reach, crawl, sit unsupported, or walk steadily without a stable core underneath those movements.
This article covers why trunk strength matters so much after neurological surgery, and gives simple, therapist-informed exercises many families use to support recovery at home, alongside — never instead of — formal physical therapy.
Why Trunk Control Matters After Surgery
Core and trunk muscles — the deep abdominal and back muscles that stabilize the spine — are what allow a child to hold their body upright against gravity while their arms and legs do more specific work. After neurological surgery, children often lose strength here for reasons that have nothing to do with the surgical site directly: extended bed rest, reduced activity during recovery, and general deconditioning during a hospital stay all take a toll on trunk muscles quickly, especially in young children.
This is why physical therapists so often start rehabilitation with trunk and core work, even when a child’s main recovery goal seems to be walking or hand function — a stable core is what makes those other skills achievable and safe.
Simple Exercises to Try at Home, by Age
Infants and toddlers: supported tummy time (with a rolled towel under the chest if needed), gentle reaching games while propped in a seated position, and assisted “sit to stand” practice from a low, stable surface.
Preschool-age children: seated balance games on a firm cushion or therapy ball (always with an adult spotting closely), gentle “superman” holds on a mat, and simple bridging exercises (lying on the back, knees bent, lifting the hips slightly).
School-age children: modified plank holds on the knees rather than toes, seated marching in place, and supervised balance-board or wobble-cushion activities as strength and confidence build.
Every one of these should be introduced gradually and stopped immediately if your child shows pain, dizziness, or unusual fatigue — recovery from neurological surgery is not a race, and pushing too hard too soon can set progress back rather than speed it up.
Working Safely Alongside Physical Therapy
Home exercises should complement, not replace, formal physical therapy. Your child’s physical therapist can tell you exactly which exercises are appropriate for their specific surgery, timeline, and any physical restrictions — some children need to avoid certain positions or movements for weeks after a shunt placement or other neurosurgical procedure, and a therapist’s clearance matters more than any general guide, including this one.
Tracking Progress and Milestones
Progress after neurological surgery is often slow and non-linear, with good weeks and frustrating ones. Keeping a simple log — how long your child can hold a seated position unsupported, how many assisted bridges they can do, how their balance looks week to week — helps both you and your therapist see real progress that can be hard to notice day to day, and gives your medical team useful information at follow-up visits.
Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist
- Which of these exercises, if any, are appropriate for our child right now?
- Are there any positions or movements we should avoid given the specific surgery our child had?
- How often and how long should we be doing home exercises between formal therapy sessions?
- What signs would mean we should stop and check in with you or the surgical team?
Frequently Asked Questions About Core Exercises After Brain Surgery
When can we start core exercises after surgery?
This depends entirely on the type of surgery and your child’s individual recovery, and should always be confirmed with your surgeon and physical therapist before starting anything at home. There is no universal timeline that applies to every child.
How do I know if an exercise is too advanced for my child?
If your child cannot complete a movement with good form, needs excessive support to stay upright, or shows pain, dizziness, or distress, the exercise is likely too advanced for their current stage. Step back to an easier version and check in with your physical therapist.
Is it normal for core strength to take a long time to return?
Yes. Many children take weeks to months to rebuild trunk strength after significant neurological surgery, and progress often comes in uneven bursts rather than a steady line. Consistency in doing cleared exercises regularly matters more than speed.
Core strength is easy to overlook precisely because it is not one of the dramatic milestones parents track — but it is the quiet foundation underneath nearly all of them. With patience, the right clearance from your child’s medical team, and consistent practice, trunk strength tends to return, and with it, the stability for everything else to follow.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always get clearance from your child’s physical therapist or surgeon before starting new exercises. Read our full disclaimer: braincarepath.com/disclaimer/
Bibliography
- NYU Langone Health. Recovery & Support for Hydrocephalus in Children. Available at nyulangone.org.