7 Key Benefits of Physical Therapy Following Spine Surgery

With minimally invasive spine surgery, getting your back the care it needs doesn’t have to involve significant downtime or post-operative discomfort. But be ready to put in some work to bounce back after your procedure.

In many cases, that means going to physical therapy. With targeted strengthening and stretching exercises, you can support your body as it does the work of healing after your spine surgery. 

In fact, Patrick S Hill, MD, often recommends physical therapy after minimally invasive spine surgery. If you want to learn if it will be part of your recovery plan, visit Dr. Hill at our office in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, California. 

If he recommends physical therapy, know that it will deliver significant benefits. Here are seven ways this post-operative treatment can help you. 

#1: Heal faster

With physical therapy, you learn what to do and what not to do during your recovery. It helps you scale up your activities as your healing progresses. That means you move forward as quickly as possible but not so fast that you risk re-injury. 

#2: Improve mobility

You might need a brace as your spine heals, but your motions won’t be limited forever. In fact, spine surgery should improve mobility in your back, especially when paired with physical therapy afterward. 

#3: Strengthen your back

Many physical therapy sessions will focus on strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your back. With targeted exercises, you build support along your spine. 

#4: Learn proper techniques

Your physical therapist can help you learn the best ways to do things like climb stairs or lift items as your back heals. 

#5: Minimize discomfort

While the physical therapy exercises aren’t always comfortable, know that the work you’re doing will help you get back to a pain-free life quicker. 

Your physical therapist can show you modifications to ease any discomfort you experience during your healing timeline. They can also show you sleeping positions to make your nights more comfortable. 

#6: Get flexible

If you’re used to living life with a stiff back, you’ll be glad to know that your rehab sessions will help you gain flexibility in your back, making it easier and more comfortable to bend forward. 

#7: Avoid reinjury

By sticking with physical therapy through your post-op recovery period, you get stronger and more flexible while learning proper techniques to protect your back. That goes a long way toward helping you avoid back problems in the future.

Ultimately, physical therapy can deliver significant benefits to help you feel your best after spine surgery. To learn more about it or the minimally invasive techniques Dr. Hill uses, call our office or schedule your appointment online.