The Ostomy Studio

The Ostomy Studio is based in Bexhill-on-Sea, with Online 1:1 Video Appointments available to book through this page. It provides online clinical exercise, stoma rehabilitation, clinical Pilates and abdominal exercise for people preparing for or recovering after abdominal surgery.

The service focuses on bowel cancer, stoma and abdominal surgery rehabilitation. It also works with people who have had, or are due to have, abdominal surgery for other reasons, including hernia surgery. Support can be arranged before surgery, soon after surgery, later in recovery, or many years after an operation.

Care is delivered by video appointment, so sessions take place remotely. Appointments can be used as a one-off consultation, for a set period during recovery, or on an ongoing basis. The work may include preparation for surgery, post-surgery rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and Pilates-based exercise.

Sessions can cover core exercises, clinical Pilates, hydration, return to exercise or sport, training for a specific event, becoming active, and working through barriers to activity. The approach combines clinical Pilates, strength training, biomechanics and movement coaching, with attention to abdominal and deep core muscles before and after surgery.

The clinical exercise work is provided by Sarah Russell, a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Her stated training includes sport and exercise science, APPI clinical Pilates, BASES exercise practice, biomechanics coaching including low back pain, CanRehab cancer exercise rehabilitation, breast cancer rehabilitation, running fitness, chair based exercise, and first aid.

The Ostomy Studio can work alongside consultants, physiotherapists and nurses where needed, and has a referral network for further support if appropriate.