Wearing AbdominalSplint - The Tummy Team

Welcome to Your Tummy Team Splint

We’re so glad you’re here. Abdominal rehab splinting can be an important component of functional core rehab. Regardless of the cause of your functional core weakness, your splint is a tool to support healing—not a shortcut or a substitute for your core. How you use your splint is important. Let us show you how to get the most benefit from your splint right from day one.

There are several embedded videos throughout this page that you can watch, pause, and rewatch as needed.

Step 1: Know Why You are Splinting.

What Your Splint Is (and Isn’t)

Your Tummy Team splint is designed to:

  • Support and facilitate your transverse abdominis (your built‑in core corset)
  • Provide sensory feedback so you can feel and activate your core
  • Help approximate and protect a diastasis recti when appropriate
  • Encourage upright, elongated posture
  • Reduce pain and instability while your body heals

Your splint is not:

  • A replacement for your core muscles
  • A long‑term crutch
  • Something to wear as tight as possible

Think of it like an ACE wrap for a sprained ankle: helpful, supportive, and temporary—used intentionally as part of a bigger rehab process.

Step 2: How to Put On Your Splint

Watch the video below before your first use.

The first part of this video goes over measuring, which you have likely already done since you own your splint. But if you feel like your splint is not the correct size, this video can help you identify that correct size moving forward.

What to Wear Under Your Splint

  • One thin layer (cami or tank top)
  • Not directly on skin
  • Not over bulky clothing

Positioning the Splint

  • Line the back panels between your pelvis and ribcage
  • Stand tall and elongated
  • Avoid tucking your tail
  • Avoid sucking in

Fastening the Splint

  1. Take a breath in, allow your tummy to naturally expand
  2. Exhale and gently draw your belly button in
  3. Bring one side across
  4. Pull the other side snug and fasten

Snug like a hug—not tight like a tourniquet.

If it’s too tight:

  • Blood flow decreases
  • Sensory awareness decreases
  • Healing is compromised
  • Your splint can be damaged

Quick Fit Check

  • You should be able to slide your hand under the splint
  • When you exhale and activate your core, you should feel your belly gently pull away from the splint

That means your transverse abdominis is doing the work.

Pelvic Floor Consideration (Important!)

If you have:

  • Prolapse
  • Stress incontinence
  • Pelvic floor weakness or heaviness

Add this step:

  • Scoop under the belly slightly
  • Then lift up and in as you fasten

This reduces downward pressure and helps protect your pelvic floor.

Your splint should always make you feel better, not worse.

Step 3: When and How Long to Wear Your Splint

The Tummy Team focuses on a comprehensive functional core rehab approach. Abdominal Rehab Splinting is one component of that process. We highly recommend you join The Tummy Team Family PLUS membership and do our clinically proven Core Foundations, Prenatal Core or Floor of Your Core rehab courses with your splinting. Each of these courses, clearly guide you in the proper timeline for splinting. If you are not in a rehab course, take a look at this video to understand the best way to use your splint.

Functional Core & Pelvic Floor Rehab

Weeks 1–3

  • Wear during most waking hours
  • Take short breaks as needed (about 45 minutes)
  • Focus on active use while moving and living your life

Weeks 4–5 (Weaning Phase 1)

  • 75% on / 25% off
  • Take it off during your strongest part of the day

Weeks 6–7 (Weaning Phase 2)

  • 50% on / 50% off
  • Use strategically based on activities

Long‑term use may include intermittent splinting for specific tasks (gardening, bedtime routines, long days, etc.).

Splinting During Pregnancy

We recommend intermittent splinting, not continuous use.

First Trimester

  • Generally no splinting
  • Exceptions for severe instability or if already splinting pre‑pregnancy

Second Trimester

  • 2–4 hours per day
  • Usually during the most fatigued part of the day

Third Trimester

  • 4–6 hours per day
  • Still allow time without the splint to stay connected to your muscles

Special Situations

  • Baby positioning support (head‑down maintenance)
  • Labor and delivery support

Yes—you can wear your splint during labor if it feels helpful and comfortable.

Immediately Postpartum

Your core is especially vulnerable after birth.

We recommend:

  • Bringing your splint to the hospital, birth center, or home birth
  • Wearing it as soon as you’re up and moving
  • Using the same guidelines as functional rehab (most waking hours for 3 weeks)

Benefits include:

  • Core protection
  • Reduced pain
  • Improved posture
  • Emotional grounding and body awareness

Why We Don’t Recommend Splinting Alone

Splinting works best when combined with:

  • Core retraining
  • Neuromuscular re‑education
  • Postural alignment
  • Functional movement integration

Without rehab, splinting alone can lead to disconnection and dependence.

Our programs are designed to help you:

  • Rebuild strength
  • Restore trust in your body
  • Heal efficiently and sustainably

Need More Support?

We’re honored to be part of your healing journey—and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Be strong for the life you were meant to live.