Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 04/11/2007 :  17:26:19  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "I am a pta student at Gateway, and am currently doing a project on spinal fusion. I have contacted the Dr.'s office a few times and unfortunately got nowhere. I was told by my instructor to contact different therapists (because the info is not in our ther ex book ) to see what type of exercises do they do for spinal fusion. Is there a certain protocol you have to follow? What are the red flags post op?(contras/percautions) I would appreciate it if you could give me some suggestions. I have looked all over the internet and couldn't find much. Thank you for your time"

Ask a PT Response: "Usually in most cases with a spinal fusion, the patient is to avoid bending, twisting and lifting. The patient will usually wear a lumbarsacral orthoses for an extended period of time. The precautions and length of use of brace is dependent on various factors which includes and is not limited to: the surgeon, the exact surgical procedure performed, patient's past and current condition, and the progress being made. Physical therapists will usually instruct the patient how to transfer from supine<>sit via a log roll after surgery and will have the patient work on core strengthening, other extremity strengthening, stretching, functional training and any other method(s) to help manage pain. The patient can also participate in aquatic physical therapy as well. We will be doing an article on this in the near future so please check the site later. I hope this helps."