One of the most common surgeries we work with is lumbar discectomy and lumbar laminectomy. This injury is usually caused by performing an activity that requires bending, lifting, or twisting. These injuries don't take much force and can occur in the gym, working in the yard, or doing normal tasks around your home.
The typical symptoms of these injuries include:
Pain in the back and into the legs
Numbness and tingling down into the back, legs, and feet
Pain with sitting, bending, and lifting
Pain with coughing and sneezing
Difficulty walking, rolling in bed, standing up from a chair.
Once you are evaluated and the injury is confirmed there are two different paths for healing. There are surgeries that can be performed to deal with the injury and there are also non-operative treatment pathways. Whether you opt for surgery or not, physical therapy will be key for recovery.
The most common type/areas of surgery of the back include:
Lumbar laminectomy
Lumbar discectomy
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Once you get a surgery you should get into PT within 1-2 weeks for your first physical therapy visit. Post-operative rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery from surgery. Regardless of the type of surgery, you will benefit from rehab after surgery. Physical therapy will focus on regaining ROM, strength, and functional abilities. We focus on hip and core strength, spinal and hip range of motion, gait and squat mechanics, and general strength and endurance.
We have post surgery rehabilitation centers in Bellevue, Renton, and Seattle for your convenience. Call today at (425) 629-9997 to schedule your appointment or click the link below to get started!