At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, physical therapy is a crucial step in the recovery process following spinal fusion surgery. Our expert therapists help restore mobility to the spine, prevent significant muscle atrophy, and guide you in learning how to walk and move without the flexibility that previously existed between the fused vertebrae.
Many patients wonder when to start physical therapy after spinal fusion. Physical therapy may begin with light exercises and movement within the first week of surgery. However, the exact timeline depends on when you receive surgeon clearance and what your recovery looks like. Everyone’s postoperative timeline is different, and your physical therapists will adjust your therapy process to your needs.
Exploring When To Start Physical Therapy After Spinal Fusion Surgery
In some cases, the sooner you start physical therapy in Edgewater, NJ, the faster your recovery timeline. But beginning physical therapy too soon may also be dangerous. You risk reinjuring yourself and prolonging the healing process. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons involved in your surgery need time to heal before you begin working them intensely.
That’s why it is important to wait for surgeon clearance before you start PT. Your physical therapist also will not begin exercises with you until it is safe to do so. Rest assured that many patients are cleared to start physical therapy within just a few days of spinal fusion surgery.
Factors Affecting When You Can Start Physical Therapy
Several factors might affect when your surgeon clears you to begin physical therapy:
- Your initial healing process. Many patients must stay in the hospital for two to four days after spinal fusion surgery, though some might stay longer if they are at risk of complications.
- Your previous strength and mobility. If you were very active leading up to the surgery, you may have an easier time with standing, walking, and completing other simple tasks in the days following your surgery.
- Your age. Generally, younger patients can jump into physical therapy sooner, as their bodies are more agile and adaptable.
Your Physical Therapy Timeline
While your rehabilitation protocol will be highly customized to your needs, many patients follow this general timeline for when to start physical therapy after spinal fusion surgery:
- Day 1: Get out of bed and take short walks as often as you can.
- Week 1: Begin stretching. You should be able to feel the stretch but never feel pain when doing so.
- Weeks 1-4: Start physical therapy and practice movements and stretches to help you resume normal activities. You may still be taking medication to manage pain.
- Weeks 5-9: Continue physical therapy to begin rebuilding your strength while sticking to strict mobility guidelines.
- Weeks 10-24: At week 10, physical activity and exercise become the main focus of your recovery.
- 6-12 months: Your surgeon will confirm around the six-month mark whether the vertebrae fused successfully. You’ll be cleared for almost all activities if so.
Ways To Aid Your Recovery in the Meantime
While the answer to when to start physical therapy after spinal fusion might be a few days to over a week, you can take other steps to aid your recovery before beginning more intense therapy:
- Stay active. Being sedentary will only cause your muscles to weaken further after the surgery. Keep moving as much as you safely can, whether that’s getting up to walk a few steps every hour or completing light stretches a few times a day.
- Sleep when you need it. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep each night during your recovery and rest when you feel tired. Sleep helps the healing process.
Schedule Physical Therapy for Spinal Fusion Recovery Today
Knowing when to start physical therapy after spinal fusion surgery can help you plan for this recovery phase. You can also complete physical therapy pre-spinal surgery to aid your outcomes. Exchange Physical Therapy Group provides personalized, expert-guided physical therapy in Edgewater, NJ. Contact us today at (201) 377-1510 to schedule an appointment.
