Fusion

Lumbar fusion

A lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure performed to fuse the vertebrae (bones in your spine) together in order to stabilise the spine following injury, degeneration, or deformity. The procedure helps to reduce pain caused by abnormal movement between vertebrae, correct spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis, and treat conditions like spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. It can also prevent further damage to the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.

The bones are fused together using a bone graft, which may be an autograft (bone taken from your own body, usually from the pelvis) or an allograft (bone taken from a donor bone bank). Over time, the vertebrae grow together to form a single solid bone, a process that typically takes a minimum of three months. To enhance stability during the healing process, your surgeon may also use metal rods, screws, or plates to hold the vertebrae in place. A lumbar fusion can be performed either from the front (anterior approach) or the back (posterior approach) of the spine, depending on the specific condition and surgical goals.

A lumbar fusion is used to treat conditions such as:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Scoliosis or other spinal deformities
  • Fractures of the vertebrae
  • Chronic lower back pain not responding to conservative treatment
  • Infections or tumours affecting the spine

Physiotherapy before a lumbar fusion

Physiotherapy will help prepare your back before surgery and support a smoother, faster recovery afterward. Your physiotherapist will teach you how to manage your current symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, through tailored exercises, posture correction, and activity modification. You will also receive guidance on what to expect following your operation, including safe movement techniques, positioning, and strategies to protect your spine during daily activities. This preparation ensures you are physically and mentally ready for surgery and promotes a successful rehabilitation process.

Symptoms following a lumbar fusion

You may experience some pain following your surgery; however, this will be effectively managed with prescribed medication. On the first day after your operation, a physiotherapist will visit you to teach safe and proper techniques for getting out of bed, standing, and moving around. Before being discharged, you will need to demonstrate independence with mobility, including walking and navigating stairs safely. Your physiotherapist will also provide advice and practical strategies to help you manage your symptoms and protect your spine once you return home, ensuring a smooth transition to your recovery environment.

Physiotherapy following a lumbar fusion

Physiotherapy treatment following your surgery will help reduce pain, restore functional movement, and rebuild strength, enabling you to walk, sit, drive, and manage daily and recreational activities with greater ease. Through a structured rehabilitation programme, physiotherapy will support your recovery, promote safe movement, and enhance your overall mobility. Consistent physiotherapy sessions will also help you achieve significant improvements, ensuring you maximise the long-term benefits of your surgery and return to an active, independent lifestyle.

1-2 weeks

An initial assessment with your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will evaluate how your current symptoms impact your daily activities. Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment programme will be developed, tailored to your needs, with the goals of increasing safety, reducing discomfort, and improving overall function.

  • Assessment of your current pain levels and areas of discomfort
  • Evaluation of your range of movement and flexibility
  • Assessment of muscle strength and endurance
  • Observation of posture and spinal alignment
  • Analysis of functional activities such as sitting, standing, and walking
  • Identification of any movement restrictions or compensatory patterns
  • Development of a personalised treatment plan with short- and long-term goals
  • Recommendations for safe daily activities and exercises to perform at home

2-6 weeks

During this stage of your rehabilitation, physiotherapy treatment at acephysiosports.com will continue to promote your recovery from surgery by focusing on strengthening your spine and increasing your range of movement. A progressive exercise programme will be introduced to help maximise mobility, spinal stabilisation, coordination, and overall fitness conditioning.

  • Strengthening exercises for spinal muscles
  • Stretching to improve flexibility and range of movement
  • Core stabilisation and balance exercises
  • Coordination and proprioception training
  • Low-impact cardiovascular conditioning
  • Functional exercises to support daily activities

6-12 weeks

Your physiotherapist at this stage of your recovery will progress your exercises, making them functional and task-specific to ensure continued improvement. Emphasis will be placed on movements that mimic your daily activities, helping you regain confidence, strength, and coordination. Core and spinal stabilisation exercises will support proper posture, while balance and proprioception training will enhance stability. Cardiovascular conditioning will also be included to improve overall fitness and endurance, ensuring a well-rounded recovery.

  • Functional and task-specific exercises
  • Core and spinal stabilisation exercises
  • Balance and proprioception training
  • Cardiovascular conditioning and endurance exercises
  • Strengthening exercises for back, abdomen, and surrounding muscles
  • Flexibility and range of motion exercises
  • Posture and movement retraining

12 + weeks

Physiotherapy at this stage will focus on consolidating the gains you’ve made in mobility, strength, and endurance. Your physiotherapist will continue to progress your exercises, targeting functional movements and activities important to your daily life, ensuring a safe return to normal tasks and recreation.

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.

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