When can I start stretching after discectomy?
When can I start stretching after discectomy?
When the surgeon starts reducing activity restrictions, generally between 2 and 6 weeks following surgery, more exercises and stretches can gradually be added, as tolerated by the patient. An early focus may be on stretching the hamstrings, which can become tight after a microdiscectomy.
When should I start PT after Microdiscectomy?
Physical therapy is usually held off during the initial postoperative period and is started around 2 weeks when the incision heals. During the initial 2 weeks, the post-operative pain subsides and the patients may no longer require narcotic pain medications.
What stretches are safe after back surgery?
The Safest Exercises Following Back Surgery
- Abdominal Draw-In. Lie on your back, relax your arms by your side, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground.
- Bridges. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet resting on the floor with your arms comfortably by your sides.
- Planks.
How do you stretch after discectomy?
Safe Stretching After Microdiscectomy
- Lie on the back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Flatten the lower back to the ground by tightening the abdominal muscles and pulling the belly button in.
- Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 8 to 10 times.
Why does my leg still hurt after Microdiscectomy?
Most patients notice that it is much improved but there is still some aching in the leg because the nerve has a “memory” for the pain and remains slightly irritable. This usually resolves within a matter of weeks. The numbness usually resolves over weeks or months as the nerve recovers.
Can you do sit ups after back surgery?
But you should be strategic about the specific exercises you do while recovering. Certain stretches and exercises (standard sit ups, for example) can put excess pressure on the surgical wounds in your back and cause irritation when your body is trying to heal itself.
What are the best stretches to do after lumbar microdiscectomy?
In addition to walking, patients who feel comfortable can begin light stretching shortly after lumbar microdiscectomy. One of the safer stretches at this stage is the pelvic tilt. Lie on the back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Flatten the lower back to the ground by tightening the abdominal muscles and pulling the belly button in.
Can I exercise after a lumbar laminectomy and discectomy?
Be sure to stop the exercise if you are experiencing an increase in pain in your low back, buttocks, or legs. After a lumbar laminectomy and discectomy, your physical therapist may prescribe exercises to help improve your abdominal strength.
When can I start walking after microdiscectomy?
These surgeons recommend performing stretching exercises several times a day for 6 to 12 weeks following surgery, since this is the period when scarring is most likely to occur. In addition to walking, patients who feel comfortable can begin light stretching shortly after lumbar microdiscectomy.
What is the typical recovery time after microdiscectomy back surgery?
The traditional approach to recovery after a microdiscectomy back surgery has been to limit bending, lifting, or twisting for six weeks to prevent a recurrent lumbar disc herniation.
