About Convatec me+ recovery

The Convatec me+ recovery program has been developed by Sarah Russell MSc, a clinical exercise physiologist and expert in stoma and hernia rehabilitation. Sarah is the founder of The Ostomy Studio and the author of the Bowel Cancer Recovery Toolkit. She has also published numerous papers in scientific journals and worked in a clinical trial to investigate exercises for people with hernias. Sarah has ensured that Convatec me+ recovery goes beyond physical healing — it’s about reconnecting with your body and rebuilding confidence.

Convatec me+ recovery is part of the Convatec me+ personalized support program from Convatec, your ostomy journey companion, empowering people with an ostomy through tailored education, practical and emotional guidance, and meaningful community connection.

What’s included?

• Step-by-step videos for each movement.

Before you begin:

• Your safety comes first.

Before starting:

• Consult your healthcare provider.
• If you feel unexpected pain or discomfort, adjust your approach or try a different exercise.
• Move at your own pace.
• Use supports or aids if recommended.

Core Basics: The first steps

Core Basics is the first step in your recovery journey, focused on understanding and reconnecting your deep core system — the foundation for safe recovery.

Whether you're preparing for surgery, recovering afterward, or managing long-term healing, this phase helps you engage your body's stability system and adopt a flexible approach to movement, learning when to move and when to rest.

Core Progress: Continuing your rehabiltation

The information in the handbooks and series is not intended to provide medical advice. You should speak with your healthcare professional before engaging in physical activity following ostomy surgery. In the event you experience pain or discomfort, stop the activity immediately and contact your health care professional.

The me+ recovery series is adapted from the me+ recovery nurse training course which is RCN (Royal College Nursing) and ACPGGI (Association Coloproctology GB and Ireland) accredited in the UK and have undergone extensive peer and expert review.

Peer Reviewed by: Prof Sina Dorudi, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Mike Grice, Osteopath, Lecturer Sports Therapy and Module Leader for Athletic Movement Analysis, Dr Iseult Wilson, Institute of Nursing and Health Research