spinal surgery, prep and post, WW

[Connie Brown]

A friend is scheduled for spinal surgery and wants to know how to do WW before and after. ideas? I don't have details on the surgery except that it's in the neck area and if she doesn't get the surgery she might lose the use of the limbs. (should I be asking more about the condition?)

She is vision impaired, lives far away from me, and we are going to walk through the beginner program on the phone. Should be interesting.

She wants to prepare as well as possible and even wants to do it afterward in bed. !

[Jarlo Ilano]

There are probably no specific precautions prior to the surgery aside from avoiding movements that exacerbate whatever symptoms she has.

Post operative concerns are dependent upon the particular surgery she is to undergo.

The two common procedures are a discectomy and a spinal fusion. If her condition is so severe that she may lose the use of her extremities. It sounds like they may be doing a fusion.

In the case of a fusion, so much bone is removed that they need to create stability by adding a plate and restricting motion between two (or more) vertebrae. Because this stability is crucial they place people in hard neck collars and the restrictions in activity are fairly significant. 6 to 8 weeks is normal for that.

Warrior Wellness for all areas except the neck and perhaps overhead shoulder motion are most likely fine and will be very helpful for recovery of motion after they release her from the precautions.

A discussion with the surgeon and/or his/her nurse would be very helpful. Surgeons can be very particular about how the post surgical recovery should go.

[Paul K]

Sounds like a significant impingement. You definitely need more info! Including current diagnosis, type of surgery, current limitations, post surgery restrictions. Neck brace pre / post surgery, will she participate in physical therapy post surgery? CYA - physician’s approval!! Proceed with extreme caution, especially with upper extremity / shoulder movements, and avoid neck/head. Over-the-phone exercise instruction?? Follow the physician’s credo “do no harm.”

Check out webmd.com or medlineplus.gov or other for FYI.

Paul Karpick

[Connie Brown]

Over-the-phone exercise instruction?? Follow the physician’s credo “do no harm.”
Thanks, Paul, for the reminder. It's not quite that dire. I know this person and we will have a sighted person there too. Also, she knows a little about CST after having seen Coach Sonnon at Albuquerque last year.

[KEVIN TEAGLE]

Connie,

For any cervical surgery, just starting with the fingers will be challenging. Keep it slow, safe and simple.

By the way, nice reply Jarlo, well said.

Dr. Teagle

[Jarlo Ilano]

Thanks Doc. You are very kind.

Connie,

As an aside, I don't know any physical therapist that would be averse to your friend performing the pain free movements of Warrior Wellness. Just be very aware of the postsurgical precautions/restrictions. There is very often a weight restriction (which can be even the weight of the arms themselves). Pain is very often a good moderator after surgery anyway, but some people (especially the most motivated) can overdo it in their quest to get better quicker. Unfortunately tissue rebuilds at its own pace, no matter how fast we want it to happen.

[Paul K]

Some additional thoughts having worked with persons (exercise programs) with chronic diseases & disabilities for 10+ years.

Persons with visual impairment may have poor balance and forward head (related to current ortho problem?) posture. WW may improve balance skill; improve self-image, confidence and spatial orientation. Some guidelines: (1) instructions described verbally (audiotape), (2) allow exerciser to describe or demonstrate activity, (3) give tactile & verbal motivation.

Sounds like you have a plan of action.

Namaste,
Paul

[Paul K]

Some additional thoughts having worked with persons (exercise programs) with chronic diseases & disabilities for 10+ years.

Persons with visual impairment may have poor balance and forward head (related to current ortho problem?) posture. WW may improve balance skill; improve self-image, confidence and spatial orientation. Some guidelines: (1) instructions described verbally (audiotape), (2) allow exerciser to describe or demonstrate activity, (3) give tactile & verbal motivation.

Sounds like you have a plan of action.

Namaste,
Paul

[Connie Brown]

WOW you guys are the best ever! thank you! I'll keep you posted.