It can be difficult for spinal cord injury patients with limited lower body functions to perform transfers, especially when the seat is low. x[v%zi]iZ?$UzKb@~VV While there's no guaranteed way to prevent acute central cord syndrome, you can help protect your spine from injury when you: An occupational therapist may recommend investing in a stair lift to help minimize the risk of falling and reduce the time it takes to go up and down the stairs. If you are pregnant or think you could be, tell your healthcare provider. Last medically reviewed on March 23, 2022. endobj Depending on your job, you might be allowed to return to work during this stage. Pb/x$pg*>!Sir1{x `]o#p`vEf$WP'!.9YCz! Minimally invasive approaches are selected, when appropriate. as well as perform any hobbies or recreational activities. Iliac crest bone graft is the gold standard but availability can be limited and usage often leads to persistent postoperative pain at the donor site. Do not lift more than . 15 0 obj v>"A Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses | Testing | Patient Care | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. If medical treatments no longer work, surgery may be a choice. Patients may progress from Techniques for Effective Exercise Walkingto more demanding exercises, such as swimming. Stem cells were injected nearly a year after his injury and several months after his improvement had plateaued. Sign up to receive a free PDF ebook with recovery exercises for stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury below: Government Contract Vehicles | Terms of Service | Return Policy | Privacy Policy | My Account, Copyright 2023 All rights Reserved. Figure 3. Get Veritas Health Newsletters delivered to your inbox. Sometimes a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is used, in which the patient controls when an attached device administers the pain medication. Extend the upper body by lying on the stomach and squeezing shoulder blades together while slowly raising head and shoulders only one inch off floor. You may be told to stop these medicines before the procedure. <> This will include bending, twisting, and lifting. Example stretches: Watch: Seated Chair Hamstring Stretch for Sciatica Relief Video. For all stretches, patients should feel the stretch, but never to the point of pain, If a patient feels pain the stretch should be stopped. Your physical therapist will most likely instruct you in how to maintain proper posture when you . Do not bend forward at the waist more than 90 or raise knees higher than hips. The worst pain is generally over by 4 weeks after surgery. 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. This involves learning what day-to-day activities are most important to patients and finding a way to increase their engagement in these activities. Read on to discover more about why you want to have physical therapy after neck fusion surgery and what it might entail. H9SLeiZD_x}q#?/.NJ_b0 aIw;fq?4![AAAAj2:_/O}V*|C">i~{ S6x+(((tGyS/_>{|JoDo8 '%~ [AAAA#6s?{z?}&?M${O}tuJ=2 FsBQ&g.kL_"]2F"%>uPB`"ClJ0|x?MoSM26P~]l Occupational Therapy | Box 356490 1959 N.E. Once you make it to 10 weeks, exercise and physical activity will become the focus of your recovery. This may involve removing bone spurs or growths, or removing all or part of a disk. 360 0 obj <> endobj stream <> Lie on your stomach with your arms out and your palms facing the floor. After recovery, people who have had successful spinal fusions are generally able to become more active than they were before. Showers are typically not allowed the first few days after spinal fusion surgery. Learn about Medicare coverage of back surgery including types of back surgery, plus cost estimates of what you can expect to pay. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding. Car adaptations like hand controls and adjustable seating can enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to safely operate a car. Ask your OT to recommend some activities or techniques for you to practice at home, or try some of the methods mentioned in this article. endobj Your provider may tell you to limit other activities. Many people find it helpful to bring sturdy slip-on shoes with them to the hospital, since surgeons and hospital staff encourage patients to get up and walk around as quickly as possible after the surgery. As long as everything is healed and looks right, youll be cleared to return to nearly all your typical activities. Other blood tests may also be ordered. endstream The procedure involves cutting away disc and bone material that may be pressing against the nerves coming from your spine. You may recover faster and it is often successful with results similar to more invasive back. 17 0 obj &iiB)0N|IWY `XMdET>ykc(9{"k a\&'^G n9 Any nerve damage to your spine will take up to 2 years to completely heal. Installing grab bars and rails at areas where transfers are commonly performed such as the bed, toilet, and bathtub can help prevent falling. Here is an example of the types of exercises your physical therapist may recommend for rehab after cervical fusion. #2: Strengthen Postural Flexibility Another goal of physical therapy after neck fusion surgery is to work on postural flexibility and strength. Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You? Following promising phase 1 testing, Mayo Clinic is launching phase 2 of a randomized clinical trial of stem cell treatment for patients with severe spinal cord injury. An IV (intravenous) line may be started in your arm or hand. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more vertebrae of your spine together. This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Youll build light daily tasks, such as driving and simple daily chores. Tell your healthcare provider about any of the following: Don't drive until your healthcare provider tells you it's OK. Don't bend over to pick up objects or arch your back. Patients randomized to the medical management arm will eventually cross over to the stem cell arm. You can read more about these broad milestones and when theyll occur below. Most surgeons will encourage patients to get out of bed and walk the first day after surgery, and recommend walking frequently throughout the initial recovery period, increasing the amount and length of the walks as tolerated. An occupational therapist may recommend using a universal cuff to spinal cord injury patients that struggle with gripping. After undergoing urgent posterior cervical decompression and fusion, as well as physical and occupational therapy, the patient demonstrated improvement in motor and sensory function. Tell your healthcare provider of all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements that you are taking. Spinal fusion often works no better than nonsurgical treatments for back pain with a cause that's not clear. Safe ways to lift, pull, or push objects are also covered. <> In 2017, Pedro could barely move. endobj SD(E2r$4CObGCO/ #: See why our top picks are highly rated and provide. Each exercise features pictures of a licensed therapist to help guide you. If the surgical site is covered with extra hair, the hair may be clipped off. E0&LfwAC)MDggggr2&c]N3lWz0 Its important to seek immediate medical treatment if you have symptoms of either complication. endobj After undergoing urgent posterior cervical decompression and fusion, as well as physical and occupational therapy, the patient demonstrated improvement in motor and sensory function. This can cause weakness or numbness. SCI patients will work with a specialized occupational therapist who is certified in driving rehabilitation to determine what types of car adaptions will be needed and learn how to use them. Youll be asked to avoid: Physical therapy sessions are very important during this stage of the healing process. 19 0 obj <>>> Restrictions similar to those for other spinal stenosis surgery procedures should be followed, along with any . Post-Operative Cervical Spinal Fusion Department of Neurosurgery Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington 781-744-7580 . endobj Restorative strategiesfocus on recovering physical functions affected by spinal cord injury. <> 9 0 obj Your healthcare provider will explain the surgery to you and offer you the chance to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure. See Physical Therapy after Spinal Fusion: Weeks 6 to 9. A disk may be displaced or damaged because of injury or wear and tear. ;*c*(>*)qo@4&LF58AMR].a!QdnRfL f e3$gHdD$-kN(f\*p)QB To minimize the risk of falling, an occupational therapist may recommend using a reacher as an extension of the arm. Click here to download our free SCI Rehab Exercise ebook now (link opens a pop up for uninterrupted reading). However, there are a few simple exercises you can take on at home that are part of nearly all spinal fusion recovery programs. 16 0 obj While the program will be different for each patient, here is a general guideline for post-operative spine fusion rehabilitation that should be customized for each patient. A laminectomy may be done while you are asleep under general anesthesia. With your palms down, lift your arms up into the air, holding them for 1 to 2 seconds. In cases where someone has a spinal deformity, spinal weakness or instability, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary. endobj See Prepare for Blood Loss after Spinal Fusion Surgery. You can add more advanced exercises under the supervision of your physical therapist and surgeon. Maintain a straight back with your neck and shoulders relaxed. Update it with a new topper for just-right comfort. You will most likely start getting out of bed and walking the evening of your surgery. <> Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general). Once you are under anesthesia, a urinary drainage catheter may be inserted. Now that weve gone over occupational therapy techniques that help spinal cord injury patients become more independent, lets discuss how OT prepares individuals to return to work or school. Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) program designation fuels new research aimed at improving patient outcomes, Minnesota Office of Higher Education announces Minnesota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grants. endobj 12 0 obj Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You? Painful back problems of one kind or another are not uncommon. Do not twist trunk while performing any activity. This content does not have an English version. This is a sharp, shooting pain along the sciatic nerve, extending from the buttocks to the thigh and down the back of the leg. Occupational Therapy Post-operative precautions and wearing a back brace can make some self-care activities and activities of daily living difficult, if not impossible. hb```f``2d` aB &$Z,S5arp@;O*qQ- There may be other risks depending on your specific health condition. A large bandage, called a surgical dressing, covers the incision (surgical wound) for about the first day after surgery. Youll still need to avoid bending and lifting heavy objects, but youll be able to stretch and engage in cardiovascular workouts. This handout gives guidelines to follow after spinal injury or surgery. For instance, some people who have had a spinal fusion in multiple places might be advised to avoid contact sports. Occupational Therapy is a skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. I feel more at ease in flexing.. All rights reserved. Reachers can also assist some individuals with getting their feet through their pant legs when getting dressed. You may have blood tests or other diagnostic tests. Massed practice like this helps stimulate and rewire the nervous system. Gently lean in until you feel a gentle stretch across your chest and the front of your shoulders. For example, some adaptive utensils can wrap around the forearm for those who cannot grip and others can have a bent handle for those who cannot twist or bend their wrists. 13 0 obj Once you are at home, it's important to keep the surgical incision area clean and dry. The pain you are experiencing is from overuse. After the primary injury, microenvironmental changes inhibit axonal regeneration. 8 0 obj Mayo Clinic Proceedings. solidifies. When the disk presses on the spinal nerves, this causes pain, and sometimes numbness or weakness. If a job is strenuous, it may take 6 months for the individual to return to work. It may be four to six weeks before you can comfortably go back to work. In addition to a complete health history, your healthcare provider may do a physical exam to make sure that you are in good health before undergoing the procedure. Mb6^WRINI| \,>oT3R}'rpgYqls&4mc5MCQ*;t.-S;sQnat4:o@,G0#BfLGawb1{@,jYO e`,zd8k In CELLTOP phase 2, 40 patients will be randomized to receive stem cell treatment or best medical management. Our hope is to alter the course of care for these patients in ways that improve their lives," says Mohamad Bydon, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Form a bridge with trunk raised by raising hips from floor and keeping a straight line from shoulders to hips. Using a transfer benchcan make it easier and safer for individuals to get in or out of the bathtub. endobj Depending on the severity of your spinal cord injury, there may be hope for improved mobility. But that progress plateaued six months after the injury. To do prone horizontal abduction, follow these instructions: The prone horizontal abduction exercise works the middle trapezius muscle and helps prevent rounded shoulder posture. Lie on your stomach and extend your arms out to each side like you are an airplane. Pain is likely to continue to decrease gradually, but some patients continue to have pain 3 to 6 months after surgery. 2 0 obj Stem cells can potentially provide trophic support to the injured spinal cord microenvironment by modulating the inflammatory response, increasing vascularization and suppressing cystic change. Along with practicing activities of daily living to become more independent, spinal cord injury patients must understand their rights in the workplace or at school. 5 0 obj Items like hair brushes and toothbrushes can be attached to the universal cuff and then slipped onto the hand to avoid being dropped. Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You? When Can You Exercise After Cervical Fusion? This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Post-Operative Lumbar Spinal Fusion Department of Neurosurgery Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington 781-744-7580 Lahey Neurosurgery at Emerson Hospital 978-287-3194 . Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. CELLTOP clinical trial: First report from a phase I trial of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of paralysis due to traumatic spinal cord injury. Clinical signs of efficacy in both motor and sensory function were observed at three, six, 12 and 18 months following the stem cell injection. To do the pectoral doorway stretch, follow these instructions: The pectoral doorway stretch improves your posture and increases the range of motion in your thoracic spine and shoulders. Try to keep your neck as relaxed as possible throughout this exercise. Patients will not be able to drive themselves home. Wearing a snug-fitting t-shirt or tank top under the brace helps make it more comfortable against the skin, and prevents skin irritation such as rashes or blisters. <>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> For example: General Tips . 14 0 obj Youll stay in the hospital for about 2 to 4 days following your spinal fusion surgery. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. Patients may progress from Techniques for Effective Exercise Walking to more demanding exercises, such as swimming. endobj If a back brace was previously prescribed to help immobilize the back, it may be advised to continue wearing it up to 3 months after surgery. For spinal fusion surgery, recovery may take longer. Design by Elementor, Occupational Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury Patients: How Everyday Activities Can Increase Independence, Click here to download our free SCI Rehab Exercise ebook now, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Ensuring that the environment is wheelchair-accessible. The quadriceps flexion stretch is done while lying on the stomach, and bringing heel toward buttocks as far as possible. Those muscles were not designed to hold your head up. We hope they help you on the road to recovery. (1 Pain in the spine can restrict your ability to move and function. As the back continues to heal, patients usually start to feel better and find they can take on more activities. Your doctor and physical therapy teams will have suggestions, but weve also rounded up some recovery tips: Problems after a spinal fusion surgery are relatively rare. Make a donation. ?LlAZlE0`x/*Xr``Gd0@Z|Kr)}$$WL6N:\K[XH % Spinal fusion is a procedure that permanently joins two vertebrae into one solid bone. Newer techniques are being developed that may allow a laminectomy to be done under local anesthesia as an outpatient. Abstract. A vital part of the recovery process is education combined with post-operative care, as suggested by your doctor, as well as physical and occupational therapy. Activities of Daily Living After . The spinal cord injuries must be American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade A or B. Happy Travelers start here. Even getting out of bed requires a special techniqueknown as log-rollingto avoid twisting the spine. Although suction cup grab bars are readily available, these should be used with caution as the suction may not always hold, especially in an area with changing temperatures and humidity like the shower. Your body needs plenty of rest to heal and recover. Get Veritas Health Newsletters delivered to your inbox. The Road To Recovery after Spine Surgery 6 A fusion stabilizes the vertebrae of the spine creating less chance for slippage of the discs. Once their clothes are on, they can always readjust them for comfort once they are sitting up. As long as it has been cleared by the surgeon, the patient can start doing more of the following: By 4 to 6 weeks after lumbar fusion surgery, most patients are cleared to return to school or work that does not involve physical labor. arW~%gnu_0}YyErqU.+ /p Stem cell treatment after spinal cord injury: The next steps. "We will also use biomarker studies to learn about the characteristics of responders' cells. \_zwpc\ Traveler-first means you get full control of your healthcare career so you can create the travel lifestyle you love (and deserve). Regenerative Neurobiology Laboratory: Anthony J. Windebank. <> At Fusion, it's our mission to improve the lives of everyone we touch by sticking to our core values; Humble, Driven, & Positive Attitude. Post cervical fusion exercises are a critical component to your full recovery. Following these guidelines will protect your spine and help you recover. If youre having severe pain, tenderness, or swelling following your surgery, contact your surgeon immediately. Learn the symptoms and your options for treatment. Much of the education component will focus on teaching the patient how to be aware of their posture throughout the day in order to get back to a healthy postural state. A laminectomy is considered only after other medical treatments have not worked. Having physical therapy after cervical spine surgery can help to maintain range of motion and prevent or postpone the need for additional surgeries. To do press-ups, follow these instructions: Press-ups are another great way to activate your lower trapezius muscle. We're proud of who we are and where we're going! As always, its important to stay in close contact with your doctor or physical therapist to know whats right for your body and recovery. You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear. Move your arms out to the side, while at the same time squeezing your shoulder blades together. Occupational therapy applies both restorative and compensatory strategies to optimize independence and minimize complications after spinal cord injury. <> Kd."qpXJ@n,M54:,m[vcga8yV9 "One objective in our future studies is to delineate the optimal treatment protocols and understand why patients respond differently.". For example, because blood is lost during surgery, hemoglobin will be monitored to ensure that blood oxygen levels do not fall too low. All rights reserved. However, only undamaged neural pathways are capable of neuroplasticity; therefore, those with more severe or complete spinal cord injuries may have limited functional recovery. Occupational therapy will help C4 spinal cord injury patients learn how to maximize their mobility by practicing activities of daily living. Careful planning and follow through on a prescribed physical therapy program will go a long way in helping the patient recover from the fusion and have the best prospects for pain relief over the long term. A hospital stay of between 2 and 4 days is typical. Learn How Bone Growth Therapy Can Help You, Get a Comprehensive Evaluation from Mayo Clinic's Spine Care Experts, Pain is under control using oral medications, Able to get out of bed and move around without assistance. Your physical therapy team will help teach you recovery exercises. 's new Physical Therapy Director in Fountain Valley, Physical Therapy for Arthritis: Slowing Progression and Relieving Symptoms. Once you have mastered this, practice doing the exercise with a light weight in each hand. As the pain decreases, transition to oral medication will happen. Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: 3 Months and After, Learn how bone growth stimulation therapy can help your healing process. They should be completed by moving arms and legs while avoiding any rocking or arching of the lower trunk. SCI patients can maximize their independence by practicing everyday activities and using adaptive equipment. Home Neurological Recovery Blog Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury Patients: How Everyday Activities Can Increase Independence. They can even suggest adjustments to make activities at your home or workplace easier to manage. In some cases, spinal fusion may be done at the same time. This surgery minimizes damage to tissue and muscles. Veritas Health, LLC, 520 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350, Deerfield, IL, 60015, Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: 1 to 3 Months After, Guide to Physical Therapy After Spinal Fusion, Back Surgery Video: How Spinal Fusion Stops Back Pain, Getting Adequate Pain Control After Back Surgery, Practical Advice for Recovering from Back Surgery, Postoperative Care for Spinal Fusion Surgery, Hospital Care After Spinal Fusion Surgery (2 to 4 Days), Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: After Discharge (First Few Days), Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: 1 to 4 Weeks After, Spinal Fusion Surgery Recovery: 3 Months and After, How to Prep Your Home for Spine Surgery Recovery Video, Physical Therapy after Spinal Fusion: Weeks 6 to 9, Techniques for Effective Exercise Walking, Physical Therapy after Spinal Fusion: Weeks 9 to 12, What Causes Buttock Muscle Pain and How to Relieve it, Piriformis Syndrome: When the Symptoms Indicate a Medical Emergency, Massage to Reduce Buttock Muscle Pain from Piriformis Syndrome, Suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. Depending on the patients lifestyle and preferences, a catheter can be connected at all times or periodically administered. Get Veritas Health Newsletters delivered to your inbox. Individuals with poor trunk stability may find it difficult to sit upright and remain balanced, especially when reaching for items. Your physical therapist may prescribe exercises that focus on strengthening the: Education is another critical component of physical therapy after neck fusion surgery. Avoid any rocking of the pelvis. And, it usually involves the start of outpatient physical therapy and a moderate transition back to conducting the activities of daily living, like working and driving. A nerve stretch is achieved by lying on the back with legs on the ground, and slowly lifting one leg until a stretch is felt in the back of the thigh and through the hip. Occupational therapy after spinal cord injury focuses on easing the transition back to everyday life. A pelvic tilt involves lying on your back on the floor with knees bent and pulling the belly in towards the spine. endobj Arrange for someone to help you for a few days with the household activities and driving. During this time period of about 1 to 3 months after the surgery, the lumbar fusion bone mass is becoming established. (cross street is Ward), Digital Marketing by Incredible Marketing. Occupational Therapy helps develop, recover or maintain daily living and work skills. Spinal fusion typically works for fixing broken bones, reshaping the spine or making the spine more stable. Having physical therapy after cervical spine surgery can help to maintain range of motion and prevent or postpone the need for additional surgeries. <> See Getting Adequate Pain Control After Back Surgery. Occupational therapy after spinal cord injury focuses on easing the transition back to everyday life. Special exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the lower back are emphasized. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Back or neck pain that interferes with normal daily activities may need surgery for treatment. Decompression therapy is considered an effective treatment for pain caused by compressed nerves that's severe or chronic and disrupts your daily life. Take 1 full breath between each repetition. "We are hopeful about the potential of stem cell therapy to become part of treatment algorithms that improve physical function for patients with these devastating injuries.". 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Its important to take care of yourself after spinal fusion. This will prevent you from having tight chest muscles and straining the muscles in your neck and shoulders. ]g~Mjm56t9SAS1b3cM Physical therapists typically propose adjustments to the work environment to help . Individuals with paralysis often find it easier to dress themselves in their beds instead of their wheelchairs. Meeting with a physical therapist before and/or a few days after surgery is important so specific direction can be given on when to begin various types of exercise. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Medications can help manage this pain for many people. Repeat this 5 times on each side. Background and purpose Spinal pseudarthrosis (SPA) is a common complication after attempted cervical or lumbosacral spinal fusion surgery. (!{Yn4PBz.r:{"sE1DSN'$6n0%{*=]0xrjU!uFL~A^^M*oI~7S)\!8kFJveCfQU-77%OR\[+VH6Y_%'_ZL-*b:3|>MqhM#JVgv&-J1H- Physical Therapy after Spinal Fusion: Weeks 6 to 9. endobj 6 0 obj <> Most people dont have any restrictions on their activity by about 6 to 8 months after spinal fusion surgery. Watch: Supine Hamstring Stretch (Towel Hamstring Stretch) for Low Back Pain and Sciatica Relief Video. If youd like to learn more about FitMi, click the button below: Do you have this 15 pages PDF of SCI rehab exercises? The healthcare staff will clean the skin over the surgical site with an antiseptic solution. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Here are our top 11 picks. Hold for 30 seconds and then return to the neutral position. Some medical treatments for pain may include: Laminectomy is usually done for back or neck pain that continues after medical treatment. Want 15 pages of SCI recovery exercises in PDF form? A seated hamstring stretch can be performed while sitting on the edge of chair. See Guide to Physical Therapy After Spinal Fusion. To do shoulder shrugs, follow these instructions: Shoulder shrugs strengthen your trapezius muscles, helping to stabilize your neck and upper back and reduce the strain on your neck and shoulder muscles. <> What they tell you might be slightly different than what is presented in this general guide. 18 0 obj Revision surgeries usually necessitate bone graft implementation as an adjunct to hardware revision. Spinal fusion surgery is a major procedure with a lengthy recovery time. Reasonable accommodations can include: Patients should not feel rushed to return to work or school. Based on your health condition, your healthcare provider may have other instructions for you. See Techniques for Effective Exercise Walking. Stairs can be a major obstacle for individuals with lower body motor impairments. 3 Reasons to Have Physical Therapy After Neck Fusion Surgery, Visit In Motion O.C. Triple Fusion Relieve to Relieve Spine Pain. By simply placing the foot inside the loop and pulling on the strap, patients who have good upper body strength can easily maneuver their legs. About 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery, an outpatient physical therapy program may be started.