Recovery from surgery occurs in stages. With most modern surgical techniques patients are able to ambulate on the day of surgery. This allows for discharge within 24 hrs for an uncomplicated disc excision. When a fusion is performed the recovery takes longer. The fusion takes months to consolidate, however functional recovery can progress much more quickly depending on the surgical approach and use of instrumentation. The use of minimally invasive approaches such as the laparoscopic technique can allow for discharge from the hospital within 24 - 48 hrs. Return of function requires tissue healing as well as physical reconditioning.
Will I have to have physical therapy? If so, for how long?
We use physical therapy to aid in the rehabilitation after surgery. Typically a prescription is written for between three to six weeks in duration and the patients will only have to do as much therapy as required to allow them to return to their activities. Some patients require more therapy; others require less. It depends on the status of the patient.
