Exercise after back surgery must be tailored to your needs

When you are recovering from back surgery, choosing the right type of exercise or physical therapy is crucial for successful rehabilitation.

When done properly, spinal stabilisation will improve significantly and your ability to return to normal activities will be fast-tracked. When done incorrectly however, you risk doing more harm than good because the wrong type of therapy or exercise could actually increase the pressure and load on your spine.

That’s why it is so important to choose a Pilates teacher that works closely with your Physiotherapist, preferably side by side under the one roof like we do here at Central Coast Physiolates.

Why Pilates?

No matter what type of back surgery you have had, maintaining a neutral back position is the safest position to be in when exercising during the recovery period.

Clinical Pilates teaches you to find and hold a neutral spine in many postures. It is also renowned for the way it helps to safely and gently realign the spine and increase the strength of the muscles that support the back. Those muscles include the deep abdominal, side abdominal and gluteal muscles as well as the pelvic floor muscles.

What to expect

Before commencing any exercise program following spinal surgery you will be taken through a one-on-one rehabilitation program with one of our Physiotherapists.

She will assess you, read over the reports and images provided by your surgeon and tailor a rehab program specifically for you, which will include active trunk, pelvic floor and spinal stabilisation exercises as well as breathing techniques.

Your physio will then work closely with you to ensure you are able to do the exercises correctly between visits.

Around __ weeks after surgery, you will be ready to start private Pilates classes with one of our highly qualified Pilates instructors who will work closely with your Physio so sessions can be further modified as required.

For even better results, you would see our Physio before your back surgery to ensure the muscles supporting your spine are in the best possible shape as you head into surgery. This will further optimise the recovery process.

If you have been told you need spinal surgery or have just had your surgery, contact us to make an appointment to see one of our Physiotherapists today.