Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Post-Spinal Surgery: Why Rehabilitation Matters
Surgery addresses structural problems in the spine — disc herniation, spinal stenosis, instability — but it does not automatically restore muscle strength, movement quality, or neuromuscular control. Without structured rehabilitation, post-surgical patients risk: delayed recovery, recurrent disc herniation, adjacent segment disease, and chronic pain despite successful surgery.
Common Spinal Surgeries We Rehabilitate
Microdiscectomy / Discectomy: Removal of herniated disc material compressing a nerve root. Most common spinal surgery. Laminectomy / Decompression: Removal of bone and/or ligament to widen the spinal canal for stenosis. Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae permanently for instability, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease. TLIF / PLIF: Various fusion techniques with cage implants.
Rehabilitation Phases
Early Phase (Weeks 0–6)
Primarily for post-discectomy and decompression. Goals: pain management, safe mobilisation, gentle walking programme (the most important early exercise), log-roll technique for getting out of bed, and wound care. For fusion: no spinal flexion/extension beyond prescribed limits while fusion consolidates.
Intermediate Phase (Weeks 6–12)
Core stabilisation programme — retraining transversus abdominis and multifidus without excessive spinal loading. Postural education. Progressive walking and hydrotherapy (if fusion wound healed). Functional movement training (bending safely, lifting mechanics).
Advanced Phase (Months 3–6+)
Progressive strengthening programme. Return to work rehabilitation. Sport-specific rehabilitation. For fusion patients, full rehabilitation may extend 12–18 months as bony fusion consolidates.
Spinal Surgery Rehab in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we have extensive experience in post-spinal surgery rehabilitation. Book your post-surgical physiotherapy consultation.