After undergoing spinal surgery in NYC, patients naturally want to heal as fast as possible so that they can get back to their daily activities. Post-procedural physical therapy (PT) is a vital tool in the recovery process, allowing patients to mitigate complications, have less downtime, and get the most out of their results.
Medical professionals adamantly insist that their patients mobilize themselves as soon as possible following their spine surgery in order to mitigate any of the unwanted physiological effects that come with prolonged bed rest. Data shows that spine surgery patients who engage in physical therapy early on are able to get back to their normal routines faster than those who don’t.
That said, knowing what type of movements to do and how to do them is vital. This is why working with a physical therapist in a post-procedural rehabilitation program is the best way to guarantee a smooth recovery with great results. These inpatient rehab clinics are run by teams who provide patients with 24-7 care and curate personalized physical therapy protocols for those that have undergone spinal surgery, taking into account the patient’s current health condition. This both expedites the healing process and minimizes the risk of re-injury.
How Do Physical Therapists Create Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation Protocols?
A spinal surgery rehabilitation plan is developed on an individual basis after taking into account the patient’s unique condition and needs. These plans usually involve a combination of physical movements, massage therapy, pain management, and injury prevention. Other techniques, such as thermotherapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, and heat or cold therapy are also employed to reduce swelling and pain.
A typical physical therapy protocol employs numerous therapeutic exercises and functional activities to help patients build back their strength, eventually enabling them to walk and perform other everyday tasks. There is also an educational aspect to physical therapy, allowing patients to perform massage therapy on themselves and do stretching exercises at home to further improve their mobility. Patients may also be given a corset or brace to help with healing, particularly in the early phase of recovery.
During the later stages, treatment involves a combination of flexibility and strength exercises to help the patient maintain stability, giving them better posture in multiple positions. The physical therapist will also go over correct lifting techniques to help the patient safeguard against repeat injuries.
Why Are Spinal Fusion Physical Therapy Protocols Important?
After spinal fusion in NYC, physical therapy plans are designed to minimize the formation of scar tissue, reduce discomfort and inflammation, relieve joint and muscle pain, and diagnose any other issues early on so that they can be addressed before they develop into more serious problems.
A proper physical therapy protocol will enable patients to strengthen their neck and back areas while giving them improved posture. As a result, the likelihood of having repeat injuries down the line decreases and patients can start to become more physically independent. The physical therapist will also educate the patient on the way their body moves so that they can feel comfortable in the future.
The best part of undergoing physical therapy is that patients receive a detailed plan regarding their recovery process, breaking down the treatments into days. This gives patients a better idea of what’s in store and what their schedules will be like.
What Is the Takeaway?
Physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process following spinal surgery. As a major surgery, patients undergoing spinal surgery will require great care and attention in the days following their procedure. Choosing a physical therapist who is highly revered, experienced, and compassionate is incredibly important for these patients.
To learn more about spinal surgery and physical therapy, reach out to our office to set up a private consultation.
