Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae so that they become one bone instead of several. With a fusion of two bones a patient will notice very minimal restrictions in spinal motion. Fusions of three or more bones are typically reserved for patients with severe spinal abnormalities like scoliosis or significant spinal instability. The purpose of a spinal fusion is to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. In an area where movement of the vertebrae causes pain, eliminating motion in that area is intended to stop the pain. Like most surgical procedures, spine surgery should be reserved only for cases in which the spinal deformity threatens life or function or the patient has failed high-quality conservative care like physical therapy. Spinal fusion is used to address these types of conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Fracture
• Spondylolisthesis
• Tumor
• Infection
• Herniated discs

BENEFITS OF PREHABILITATION FOR SPINAL FUSION SURGERY?

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with spinal fusion surgery related issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SPINAL FUSION SURGERY PREHABILITATION?

My team of therapists will individualize a prehabilitation program just for you, however, there are many elements that are common across different prehabilitation programs. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect, here is a list of some common goals of prehabilitation for spinal fusion surgery:

Set expectations: The idea of surgery can be intimidating. Getting to know your physical therapist before surgery will help build trust with them when it comes time for post-operative care. Having an idea of what to expect after the procedure can also ease some of your anxiety and help ensure you have what you need to support your recovery. Movement precautions or restrictions are common after spinal fusion surgery, meaning there will be some movements, positions and activities that you will need to avoid for a while. Your PT can help you prepare for these restrictions and advise you on any equipment or modifications to your home that might be necessary. They can also help you understand what kind of help or support you will need from others and prepare you for how your body may feel after surgery.

Manage pain and inflammation: Pain and inflammation can occur in many different spinal conditions. They alert us that we need to protect the injured area, that the body is trying to heal itself after an acute injury and can signal a chronic, ongoing issue when they persist. Pain and inflammation can benefit from physical therapy to help reduce the pain response prior to surgery, especially if surgery is delayed for any reason. Learning strategies to manage pain and inflammation will help you stay comfortable and as active as possible in preparation for surgery.

Learn how to use assistive devices or adaptive tools: Depending on the area of the spine affected, you may be leaving the hospital with a new walker, cane, or other piece of adaptive equipment, and learning how to use them beforehand can be very helpful. Immediately post surgery, when you are still feeling the effects of anesthesia, and pain and stiffness are setting in, is not the best time to learn how to use an unfamiliar device that is meant to protect your recently operated-on spine.

Build or maintain strength and flexibility: While the spinal fusion procedure is intended to improve your pain and get you moving again, the body will need to heal from the effects of the surgery before that can happen. Maximizing strength, soft tissue mobility and flexibility prior to the surgery can help decrease muscle atrophy and stiffness following the procedure which can ultimately quicken your recovery. It will also help you get into better shape which means less to work on following the surgery.

Prehabilitation for spinal fusion is an excellent choice for those wanting to get a head start on their recovery and to help improve their chances of a good surgical outcome. My team of therapists and I would love to help you prepare for your upcoming spinal fusion. Call the office at Evolve today to get started.