Occupational therapy after spinal fusion surgery (1387)
Key points below
Important information
You may bend forward at the hips and neck. Keep your back straight, do not slouch. Be sure to bend at your knees to lift. Do not lift with your back. No heavy lifting for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will decide when lifting precautions are no longer needed.The day after surgery
- Start the arm exercises your occupational therapist gives you. Your family can help by holding your arm and gently helping with movement, as needed.
- Do the arm exercises 3 times a day. Do each exercise 10 times:
1. Raise your arm to point to the ceiling. Keep your elbow straight.
2. Raise your arm out to the side. Keep your elbow straight and your palm facing forward. Do not shrug your shoulders or trunk.
3. Hold your arm out to the side. Make circular motions using only your shoulders. Start to feed yourself. Hold your own beverage. Brush your teeth. Do as much for yourself as you can.
- You can help your recovery if you:
- Start to feed yourself.
- Hold your own beverage.
- Brush your teeth.
- Do as much for yourself
Dressing and bathing
Once the Foley catheter is removed, you may wear your own clothes.
- For your safety and comfort, sit in a chair to get dressed. Put your ankle on the opposite knee when you put on or take off socks and get pants over your feet. It may be more comfortable to bend at the hips instead of the waist.
- Shower: Once the surgeon says you can shower, you may want to put a shower chair, folding chair, or outdoor plastic chair in the tub/shower. This will help you wash your legs and feet safely.
- Toileting: It is safe to wipe yourself. If you have discomfort, try shifting your weight to the side and reach around. This can be done when sitting or standing.