What exercises are involved in physical therapy after back surgery?

Many issues that affect the back can be successfully treated without surgery, but that doesn’t mean that some problems won’t require surgery to heal properly. 

Medical research is also reporting that more and more people are electing to have back surgery. One study reveals that the number of lumbar spinal fusions increased by more than 62% between 2004 and 2015. 

Physical therapy is often a critical component of the recovery process after back surgery. Therapeutic exercises are particularly helpful for patients recovering from back surgery, but you should definitely confirm that you’re able to do the exercises your therapist recommends with your doctor if you’re uncertain. Some of the exercises your physical therapist may ask you to do include: 

1. Prone press ups

Purpose: This physical therapy exercise is often used after lower back surgery because it can help keep healing lumbar discs in the correct alignment. 

How to do the prone press up exercise: 

• Lie facedown on the floor. 
• Place your hands flat on the floor right next to your shoulders. 
• Keep your back and hips relaxed, and press upward with your arms to lift your upper body.
• Stop when you feel a slight pressure in your lower back. 
• Hold this position for two to three seconds. 
• Slowly lower your upper body back to the floor. 
• Repeat the exercise until you’ve done 10 to 15 repetitions. 

2. Prone straight leg raises

Purpose: This physical therapy exercise is intended to improve the strength of your buttock and lower back muscles after back surgery. 

How to do the prone straight leg raise exercise: 

• Lie down on the floor so that you’re flat on your stomach. 
• Tighten your abs, and slowly lift your left leg a few inches off the ground. 
• Hold your leg up for two to three seconds. 
• Slowly lower your leg back to the ground. 
• Repeat the previous three steps with your right leg. 
• Continue to alternate legs until you’ve done 10 to 15 repetitions with each leg. 

Armor PT offers effective physical therapy after back surgery

Looking for a top-notch place to do your physical therapy after back surgery? You’ll find what you’re looking for at Armor Physical Therapy. Our team has experience building post-surgical rehab plans to fit each individual’s needs. We’re also adept at creating pre-surgical rehab programs that help people prepare themselves for many different types of surgery. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can assist you both before and after your surgery or to schedule your initial appointment.