Physical Therapy.
For a lot of people, those are dreaded words. They mean multiple appointments, copays, and time. However, physical therapy is one of the keys to a true recovery after a surgical spine procedure.
Here’s why:
1. PT can promote healing
Coming off of surgery you’re likely to be more weak than normal. What you may not realize is weak muscles are a detriment to spine and joint function. The faster your body gains strength, the more positive your body will respond as a whole.
2. PT can helps control symptoms
Post surgery you may have to contend with residual pain or other symptoms. Whether it’s massage, heat, ice, electrical stimulation, or simply education on posture and movement, your physical therapist can help you control those symptoms.
3. PT can help you regain mobility and flexibility
As you do PT your nerves send signals to your brain to help your joints regain mobility. The increase in flexibility from PT releases tension from your muscles and body overall. Thus, you are less likely to overcompensate with incorrect posture that may lead to more issues.
4. PT can help you recover faster
At the end of the day everyone wants a speedy recovery. You have the best chance at feeling like yourself again and getting back to your daily activities by actively participating in physical therapy.
Want to learn more? Click the link to find out about physical therapy after minimally invasive back surgery.
Here’s how a few of our Patient Ambassadors tailored PT to fit their lives
It took Sheryl two years post surgery to be ready for physical therapy. “I’d suffered from back pain for so long I had no core strength and post spinal surgery I spent ten months flat on my back. I took the time I needed before going to physical therapy, but now, I have regular appointments and I’ve got my eye on playing my violin again for the first time in years!”
Art is a pediatrician who didn’t have time to go to appointments. “I think people believe that they have to go to PT to get PT. With my schedule, it was impractical to go to PT two or three times a week, but I also knew how important it was to my recovery. I had my therapist teach me home routines, and I was religious about following through. It is really about being disciplined and making PT a habit. You don’t have to do it seven days a week, but strive for more than one day.”
Janell didn’t have the ability to do traditional physical therapy. “I spent my recovery either walking or in a pool because it was what was most effective for me. I was in that pool twice a day some days, and those hours were the best part of my week. I was weightless and yet still building endurance and muscle.”
Connect with one of our Patient Ambassadors and see how they might be able to help you prepare for a spine procedure.