I found a really good PT but I had to research it carefully. The person I used had a doctorate in PT and she had training in an Australian method that may be different than what is common here in the US. It focused on daily exercises (about 45 minutes plus another 45 minutes of cardio on a bike), manual manipulation and myofascial release which really really helped the pain. I had to travel a little bit (50 minutes) but it was worth it. Luckily my husband was able to drive me because I was far too uncomfortable to drive in the beginning.
I tried another PT closer to home (the clinic came well-recommended) but he made me very uncomfortable. He spent a lot of time loosening my SI joint but that did not address post-surgery muscle spasms higher up in my back where the surgery area was. In fact, it made the spasms worse. There was no manual manipulation and myofascial release, just use of some machine that pulsed. It was not helpful. Look for a manual manipulation and myofascial release practitioner.
Unfortunately, I needed to pay out of pocket for some of my care because the insurance did not cover it 100% (the reimbursement was totally inconsistent, have no idea why) but I am very glad I went to that clinic. I believe that I learned how to care for my back, get stronger and live a fairly active life even having sustained a serious injury like I did. The best PTs are real healers and not mechanics. I would not count on a lot of help from your doctor(s), unfortunately. We are kind of on our own to forge a path to wellness after surgery.
I am so sorry that you are going through this. Take good care of yourself and please look around for a talented, knowledgeable PT.
@cateh I have never found a good physical therapist here in New York City / Brooklyn. There's a bunch of chains that seem to have recipe exercises that fit all. I haven't had fusion yet but they keep telling me I need it and I am very worried about this sort of pain afterwards. Where do you live ? I'm at the point where I've talked to so many surgeons my head is swirling but I can't walk more than a few minutes without having twitching and throbbing in my calf muscles which has been my main symptom for the last 6 years so I finally have been ready to get fusion. But it worries me a great deal.