Exercise After Back surgery?

Question

I had both Laminectomy and Discectomy surgery done on my back a few months ago and I have very few muscles left in my back and abdomen. I can walk short distances but my movements are slow and my back is stiff.

Can anyone recommend a good source for strengthening exercises?

If I joined a health club or a gym to use treadmills and equipment, is there a time on the use of these during peak times. I’m a little leery of joining one because I move kind of slow and worry about getting bumped into.

I've done physical therapy and did core strengthening exercises and treadmills. Most exercise or weight loss site only contains information for people with no restrictions. I still do them but I’ve come to a standstill in recovery.

The physical therapy got me going without a direction to progress to. I thought about taking a class at the local gym but with my limitations I don’t want to slow anyone down even if it targets the area’s that I need to work on. Its for beginners but at the moment, I’m less than that.

Answer 1

Did you do any physical therapy for your back after surgery? If you did, be sure to keep doing those exercises. Because it is so soon I would recommend talking with your doctor to ask him what he wants you to do, and restrictions as to what not to do. When someone comes to me after a surgery I always have them do this and write it down or get permission to call myself. There are things for sure that he doesn't want you to be doing, this is the first thing you will need to know, as you can re-injure yourself easily. Talk with him first, and your physical therapist if you have one and get their recommendations, theirs are the most important.

Answer 2

Try taking a Pilates class (pronounced pil-ah-tees). Pilates is all about strengthening the deep core stabilizing muscles and inhibiting the muscles that have increased tone (spasms) since your injury. Look online, the phone book, or newspaper for classes. Your PT may know a good place to go (don't hesitate to call your PT, he or she should be willing to give you information or referrals if you need it). Make sure it is a one on one class where your Pilates instructor will work with you individually (like your PT did).

Answer 3

I can't believe some of the questions people trust Yahoo answers for.

You need to be asking that question to your Doctor or a medical professional, not a bunch of semi illiterate keyboard pounders.

Darryl S.

Answer 4

your MD can recommend a Physical Therapist who specializes in back injury/surgery recovery