Has anyone done Water Aerobics after Lumbar Surgery?

In '91? Had a discectomy & partial laminectomy & did water aerobics with great success.

@4petesake
I had decompression laminectomy and fusion L3-L5 8/2/2024. I haven’t started PT yet but hope to soon to strengthen muscles that have atrophied and weakened after surgery. As long as you are cleared by your surgeon/doctor for water PT, I think it is a great therapy to strengthen legs/hips/core in a safe way. The important thing for water therapy is to ensure your incision is healed fully so there is no risk for infection.

Good luck regaining strength and function.

I had thoracic spinal fusion last year and then did water aerobics as I was recommended by my surgeon to do exercise in the water. It was fine and helps you get back in shape for sure and generally safely. Just listen to your body and don't do certain movements until you are comfortable as you build your strength back up.

I would ask my surgeon.

I did not do water aerobics but the American Arthritis Foundation class, Movement through Water. I began about 6 weeks after surgery, but did not stay for the entire 1 hour class. At first I stayed 20 minutes, and then worked up to the full class. I imagine water aerobics would be a bit more intense.

I am a big proponent of warm water exercise. Most importantly, work with your physical therapist to determine which exercises to do in the pool. I live near a park district “warming” pool. I walk and stretch in this pool 3 times weekly in which I do all of my PT walking exercises. Without this opportunity, I don’t think I would be able to walk as well and as often as I do. I have severe stenosis, severe scoliosis, sciatica, and have had 4 screws fused into my neck. According to my spine surgeon, walking is the number one way to rehab.

ask your doc, but yes. I can't twist my body in my lower core or I get terrible pain. So I am careful when I swim and avoid twisting PT.

I am fused from C3 to C7 and have had reconstructive surgery from L2 to my pelvis all within the last 15 months.
As everyone mentioned above Consult with your doctor/surgeon. With that being said, I can tell you from extensive personal experience, is significantly easier to move your body in the water, then out of it.
I have used what we call "aqua therapy" around here to both prep for and rehab after surgeries (I just had my 12th spinal surgery since 2002).
My surgeon just completed the last part of the cervical fusion on September 13th which began on August 12th (in all he installed in front 1 spacer, 4 screws and 1 plate in the back I got 2 lifts, 10 screws and 2 bars). We have already made the plan that as soon as the 22 Staples come out of my neck and the wound heals. He wants me in the pool. That is music to my ears.
As far as PT goes, I start that next week. The group I use has an app that connects to my Samsung health app to track steps and sleep, as well as, what exercises I need to do.
It evens gives me direct contact with my surgeon & PT staff.
I attached some photos of the work I had done I do not recommend it.

A trusted PT will recommend water aerobics at an appropriate time. Pay special attention to which water aerobics are appropriate for your rehab. Warm water rehab is great, by the way.

Great conversation! I will look into this, when I move forward with surgery. Wow, Uncle Jay, 12 surgeries...what a trooper!

Thank you.

I swear, after an auto accident 23 years ago, that I gained my ROM back because of water therapy. I had to ask for it though.

crn, What is warm water rehab?
Tamra