Depending on the type of spinal surgery and the patient’s health history, recovery can take from anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Rehabilitation, both physical therapy and occupational therapy, is key when it comes to healing and restoring mobility.

With proper treatment, many patients are able to regain their independence along with returning to work, hobbies and other activities they enjoyed before surgery.

Moving again with physical therapy

A licensed physical therapist will personalize the treatment plan to help a patient meet his or her specific recovery goals including:

• Treatment to restore mobility, reduce pain and prevent disability
• Therapy techniques including spinal manipulation
• Individualized exercise program for strengthening and flexibility
• Education of proper lifting, bending, sitting and sleeping techniques

A physical rehabilitation plan is designed to motivate patients, as well as restore and maintain motion so they can function and move forward with their lives.

Adapting with occupational therapy

Sometimes adaptations have to be made during the healing process. An occupational therapist helps evaluate a patient’s ability to function inside his or her home and at work. The therapist helps determine a plan to help the patient adapt to daily life including:

• Therapy to perform skills using adaptive techniques
• Facilitate coping skills
• Assess motivation to participate in activities performed prior to surgery
• Determine types of assistive devices to aid in independent living

Patients recovering from spinal surgery can also benefit from having their friends and family involved in their rehabilitation. Loves ones can provide emotional support and encourage a person to maintain as independent of lifestyle as possible.

The Rehabilitation Institute at Edward White Hospital has an experienced and specialized team of physical and occupational therapists to help patients on the road to recovery. For more information, call (727) 328-6290 or log onto our website at www.edwardwhitehospital.com.