Do I Need Physical Therapy After Spine Surgery?

Living with spine-related conditions can pose significant challenges, often accompanied by pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Physical therapy stands as a cornerstone of treatment for spine patients, offering a holistic approach to care that focuses on improving function, enhancing mobility, and reducing pain.

Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, recommends physical therapy before and after spine surgery, focusing on pre-operative conditioning to optimize physical health and post-operative rehabilitation to promote healing, regain mobility, and prevent complications. Call his practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to learn how we can help address your spine problem today.

IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 
1) Pain Management: Physical therapy aims to address pain through various techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, modalities such as heat and cold therapy, and education on proper body mechanics. By targeting pain at its source and promoting natural healing mechanisms, physical therapy helps spine patients manage their symptoms more effectively.
2) Improving Function/Mobility: Spinal conditions can impair mobility and limit the ability to perform everyday tasks. Physical therapists work with spine patients to restore range of motion, strengthen muscles supporting the spine, and improve posture and body mechanics. Through targeted exercises and interventions, physical therapy helps individuals regain independence and confidence in their ability to move safely and comfortably.
3) Preventing Recurrence/Future Injury: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in preventing recurrence of spine-related issues and reducing the risk of future injuries. By teaching patients proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and strategies for injury prevention, physical therapists empower individuals to take an active role in maintaining spinal health and minimizing the likelihood of future problems.

COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 
1) Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and spinal manipulation are used to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain.
2) Therapeutic Exercises: Customized exercise programs are designed to target specific areas of weakness, improve flexibility, and enhance overall strength and endurance. Exercises may include stretching, strengthening, stabilization, and aerobic conditioning tailored to the individual’s needs and abilities.
3) Postural Correction: Physical therapists address postural imbalances and dysfunctions that contribute to spine-related pain and discomfort. Through education and corrective exercises, patients learn to maintain proper posture and body alignment to reduce strain on the spine.
4) Functional Training: Activities of daily living and functional movements are incorporated into therapy sessions to help patients apply their newfound strength, flexibility, and mobility skills to real-life situations.
5) Education: Physical therapists educate patients about their condition, treatment options, and strategies for self-management. This includes guidance on home exercises, ergonomic principles, activity modification, and pain management techniques to empower patients to take control of their health and well-being.

Physical therapy serves as an essential component of comprehensive care for spine patients, offering a holistic approach to addressing pain, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life. Through a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, postural correction, functional training, and patient education, physical therapists empower individuals to overcome the challenges posed by spine-related conditions and regain independence and mobility.

For compassionate and expert care, book an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, spine surgeon in Torrance and Long Beach, California, to discuss how physical therapy can be used to address your spinal condition today.