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Has anyone done Water Aerobics after Lumbar Surgery?

Posted by 4petesake @4petesake, Sep 22 11:11pm

I'm almost 5 mos. post op, on a "2 cut" lumbar surgery. Am doing p/t, but want to try and get in better shape before winter sets in. I don't know if it's too soon, but wondered if anyone else has tried doing water aerobics after this surgery.

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sassytwo | @sassytwo | Sep 27 10:28am
In reply to @unclejay "I am fused from C3 to C7 and have had reconstructive surgery from L2 to my..." + (show)
@unclejay

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.

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May I ask what PT group has this app?

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UncleJay | @unclejay | Sep 27 10:41am

I am in CT and my surgeons group is Middlesex Orthopedic
& Spine Associates (MOSA) and the app is called Force Therapeutics. I posted a screenshot of what the app looks like on my phone.
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crn | @crn | Sep 28 9:36am
In reply to @sassytwo "Great conversation! I will look into this, when I move forward with surgery. Wow, Uncle Jay,..." + (show)
@sassytwo

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

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Tamara, the water in the warm water therapy pools is generally between 86 and 94 degrees. Some physical therapists are trained to do your rehab in these warm water pools. You would get a prescription from your doctor just like any other PT. A few of the park districts near me have warm water walking pools where you can work out independently (without a prescription) or have a therapist attend with you. If you have this option near you, always speak with your surgeon or primary care doctor before participation. It’s always easier to exercise in the water!

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rooand | @rooand | Sep 28 10:50am

I have had warm water aerobics several times in my life, for general keep fit exercise when I was younger and now 2 years after having spinal stenosis surgery. It helps me.

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westcom | @westcom | Sep 29 7:47am

I had a multi- level laminectomy and L4-5 fusion. I was allowed to go back to swimming at about 2 months. I basically walked in the water, which is great for leg strength, and did some simple exercises for awhile and gradually worked up to swimming laps alternated with walking. I’d advise against a structured water aerobics class for at least 6 months. The water felt so good and easier to move. Of course, get your doctor’s approval.

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4petesake | @4petesake | Sep 29 5:38pm
In reply to @joanland "I did not do water aerobics but the American Arthritis Foundation class, Movement through Water. I..." + (show)
@joanland

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.

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It's a Silver Sneakers class, but I'll be listening to my body. Building up a bit at a time, is a good idea.

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sbtheplumber1 | @sbtheplumber1 | Sep 30 1:54am

Water therapy is great to get moving after a fusion, listen to your body don’t do anything that makes it worse. I couldn’t do land therapy so they put me in water therapy which I couldn’t tolerate. I had a pool maintenance card from years ago when I done therapy so I go about 3 times a week and walk . I’m starting to be able to do some exercises if not I still go and just kind of relax in front of the jets and do some walking in place just to get me out of the house and I have met a few people to talk to $45 for 15 visits so for $3 a day it’s worth it

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barbarasolinski | @barbarasolinski | Oct 1 7:52am

I had lumbar laminectomy & fusion about 10 years ago. Have been taking a water aerobics class for arthritics twice since then. Always feel better afterwards, tired but able to move better. Then came Covid & pool & fitness center closed for 9 months. That was my downfall. Pain returned, besides being older now I'm having lots of problems with osteoarthritis all over! Knees replaced about 10 years with complications now. Needed a SNS for lumbar & now cervical spine. Also getting shoulder replaced in 3 weeks. I hope to be able to get back in the water as soon as possible. Doing water exercises is wonderful as you don't have your weight bearing causing more stress on joints!!

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restisaweapon | @restisaweapon | Oct 2 3:47pm

I didn’t have surgery but suffered from a disc causing sciatica pain in my buttocks and leg.
I did find deep water running and deep water aerobic activity did lots to relieve pain and strengthen surrounding muscles.
I would not recommend water aerobics in shallow water though because of impact on the bottom. Those water aerobics are really great because of water resistance. But not while you’re so tender.

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