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How soon after lumbar fusion should PT start?
I had L2/3 fusion 6 weeks ago, had a follow up visit with the surgeon's PT and an x-ray. The PT said I didn't need to wear the back brace any longer, unless I felt I needed it, and also cleared me to start PT. But I've been watching video's from surgeon's that say to not start PT unless the fusion has formed. Starting PT too soon could cause issues with the fusion from completing. I've also seen reports to start PT at 6 to 12 weeks, with light exercises and no bending, twisting, lifting. I'm curious what the Mayo Clinic policy is.
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Absolutely no sooner than6 to 12 weeks. start too soon and you will totally regret it for many many years
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1 ReactionI'm at 6 weeks now, but don't feel like I should do anything with PT yet. My next Dr apt is at 12 weeks. They have sent referral to the PT for me to start, knowing that it will likely take 2 or more weeks to get an opening since it's the holiday's. That would put me at around 9 or 10 weeks. I've been walking, doing and elliptical at home. No other stretching or exercises like I was doing pre surgery. I'm concerned starting too soon will or could effect the fusion. Am I correct?
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2 Reactions@kremer1 I don't think there is a Mayo Clinic policy on when is it right to start physical therapy after spine surgery. I think that is a personal recommendation from the attending physician. In my case, I needed help with some physical issues and breathing difficulty caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I was in a neck brace for 3 months and was granted permission to do PT, but the therapist could not work on my neck until after the bones had fused. My fusion was done without hardware, so we had to be careful.
@jenniferhunter
Thank you for responding. I had a feeling that would be the case for recommendations. I've been reading things on-line, and some give fairly specific time lines to follow. But as with most things regarding spine surgery, it is an individual case by case thing. It depends on how the individual is responding and their overall strengths, I think. But I was just curious if there were general guidelines for post op recovery.
I think the best advice that I've read is to take it slow and gentle, not to do anything that will disrupt the fusion from happening, which can be at least 6 months to a full year to complete. Is that what you have found? How long did yours take?
Thanks,
Bill
@kremer1 My cervical spine started to fuse at 3 months. That is checked with flexion and extension x-rays and they look at those on the computer screen and actually measure to see if the distances are the same in both views. If, yes, fusion has begun with bone growth inside the spacer disc. My bone spacer had a milled out section to seed with the bone spurs that were removed during the surgery to get it started. It will take a lot longer for more bone to fill in and solidify. After a year or 2, there is more bone growth between the vertebrae, but outside of the spacer disc that was placed. That is how my imaging looks now. Some patients take longer to fuse and have simulators to help aid the process. I have heard of it taking 6 months on bigger surgeries. Smoking is also an issue for some patients because it lowers blood oxygen levels and can hinder bone growth.