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Physical Therapy After Scoliosis Surgery

Jun 14, 2011 | By M. Gideon Hoyle

Scoliosis is a relatively common disorder that causes abnormal sideways curvatures in the spines of children and teenagers. In most cases, doctors don't know what causes these spinal abnormalities. After surgery to correct the effects of scoliosis, physical therapists typically work with patients while they're still in the hospital. They also provide instructions for patients to follow on their own after they go home.

Scoliosis Surgery Basics

Scoliosis surgery typically involves some type of procedure designed to eliminate or reduce an abnormal curvature and hold your spine in place. To achieve this goal, you surgeon will use screws or rods to hold your spine in proper alignment, then apply bone grafts that will eventually fuse together and create new, strong bone tissue that keeps your back straight. Depending on your circumstances, your surgeon may choose to access your spine through your back or through your chest wall. If you have a severe case of scoliosis, your surgeon may also need to remove one or more spinal discs before correcting your back curvature.

Inpatient Therapy

Doctors usually want their patients to get some amount of minor physical activity within two days to a week following scoliosis surgery. A physical therapist will help you get out of bed and move around your room until you feel comfortable doing these things on your own. Your therapist will also teach you coughing and breathing exercises designed to clear any congestion in your lungs. If your doctor performs your surgery through your chest wall, you may have problems with any activity that requires you to use your arms and hands. If this is the case, a therapist can teach you stretches and strengthening exercises that will eventually ease your difficulties.

Outpatient Restrictions

For scoliosis surgery to work, you must give your new bone tissue time to fuse properly. To help the fusion process, your doctor may require you to wear a back brace for a period of several months. When you leave the hospital, your doctor and physical therapist will also give you a list of activities to avoid during the healing process, including anything that requires you to twist your torso, lift or bend. Your doctor and therapist will also probably ask you to avoid any kind of activity that involves strong or jarring physical contact.

Considerations

When your doctor and therapist OK your return to physical activity, start gradually and work your way up to more stressful activities over time. Common exercises used initially include bicycling, walking on a treadmill and swimming. To keep your back healthy long term, your physical or occupational therapist may also teach you ways to bend and lift that use good body mechanics and lower your chances for injury. After you spine fully fuses, you will be able to return to most activities, although your doctor may recommend that you permanently avoid certain activities that place significant strain on your back.

References

Article reviewed by Matt Olberding Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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