Rehabilitation and physical therapy are vital components of recovery from back surgery, say therapists at Spine Health. The rehabilitation exercises provide balance and alignment tools that can help to keep the back in good condition and speed proper recovery following the procedure. Physical therapy after back surgery serves a number of purposes, from pain control to building muscle to support the back.
Function
In order to regain their strength, patients first must get the pain under control following back surgery. Physical therapists apply ice to the area for topical relief and teach patients various movements that can stretch the back and provide relief from discomfort. Electrical devices often are used in post-operative physical therapy to control pain, and patients are provided with options they can use to find a comfortable sleeping and resting position while they heal.
Features
Training programs are developed on an individual basis to help build the muscles in the back. An individual exercise program must take into account the scope of the surgery, the physical abilities of the patient and what kinds of mobility issues the patient faces. Physical therapy exercise may focus on the incision area or on the small muscles around the vertebrae. Other muscles may have been weakened by the surgery and may need special attention.
Benefits
Physical therapy is important to facilitate a quick recovery and to get patients back into their normal routine. Physical therapy can help patients avoid fatigue following surgery and strengthen the back to prevent additional injuries. Therapists at Westwood Physical Therapy in Los Angeles say that patients receive education during their post-operative therapy to help improve posture, learn proper exercise techniques and find ways to compensate for back weaknesses.
Prevention/Solution
Physical therapy after back surgery typically includes exercises that target the core area of the body, or the abdomen, to provide stabilizing muscles to help keep the back secure and protected. Therapists at the USC Center for Spinal Surgery say that the stronger the abdominal muscles are, the less strain and pressure is put on the back and the less pain is involved in the recovery.
Expert Insight
Hands-on techniques are performed by physical therapists to help with joint mobility and flexibility. Massage and manipulation of sore muscles attached to the spine can help to relieve pain and loosen the areas prior to and after exercise. Therapists at the USC Center for Spinal Surgery say that future back surgery can be prevented with proper physical therapy if patients follow the advice of their therapists and continue with an exercise program at home as well as follow any behavior modification programs developed by the therapists.
