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Post Operative Scoliosis Exercises

Scoliosis is a spinal condition where an abnormal curvature exists moving from a left to right plane. According to the Mayo Clinic, if the curvature is greater than 40 degrees, surgery is often the best option with a fusion of one or more vertebrae. Depending on where the fusion exists, flexibility and mobility may be impaired. Exercise is important after scoliosis surgery, but you need to work with your doctor about the activities you are allowed to do and when you are allowed to do them.

  1. Initial Post-Operative

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, you should not engage in a gym class or other physical activity for three months after a fusion has been done. This gives the fusion time to heal and set just like a broken bone would need to set. At your doctor's discretion you may start a modest physical therapy program at this time that works on flexibility and motion, but is non-weight bearing. Basic yoga moves may also be incorporated to release muscle tension and increase flexibility. Remember that these should be done in moderation and under the guidance of your medical provider to prevent damaging the work done in surgery.

    Adding Weight

    • After three months, you will begin to add weight to your program. You are allowed to return to normal activities with limitations on diving, contact sports, horseback riding and amusement park rides. Even when doing your physical therapy, you should not lift anything more than 25 pounds. Exercises will include leg and arm extensions as well as back extensions at low weight. You may also do tricep raises as well as an upright row. The upright row will help improve overall back strength and stability. If you are weaker on one side, a one-arm row may help balance the strength of the back muscles.
      More yoga positions will be added to help reduce pain, increase flexibility and overall health from scoliosis. You may start to do a back arch, supine knee chest twist and crocodile twist as part of your stretching program.

    Cleared for Sports

    • Your doctor will monitor your progress over the first year. After six months of physical therapy, you may be cleared to perform all activities with the exception of contact sports which may take more than a year to be cleared for. But you should be able to return to diving, horseback riding and roller coaster rides. Being cleared will be dependent on the success of the fusion and the strengthening of the muscles in the back.

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