Looking to Recover form Back Surgery?
If you’ve recently had back surgery or even if you are planning for one, you may prefer rest over an exercise program. However, physiotherapy is almost always the next step in the healing process in order to control pain and increase your strength and that’s where the pt Health Post-Surgical Back Rehab Program can help.
Here our physiotherapists will help you regain your range of motion and core power in a safe environment no matter if you have been through upper, mid, or lower back surgeries. So why not plan your after-care now, and start thinking about what your pre-surgery self might look like.
The pt Health Post-Surgical Back Rehab Program
- Provide effective treatments and therapeutic approaches designed to relieve and ease your post-surgical back pain.
- Offers preventative strategies to help you deal with lifestyle, work, and other risk factors.
- Addresses the root cause post-surgical back pain as well as the symptoms.
- Prescribes appropriate stretches, strengthening exercises, and movements that you can do at home to encourage continuous improvement and progress.
- Does not involve medication or painkillers.
- Actively involves you in your own recovery.
- Is covered by most extended health plans.
- Starts quickly with next day appointment availability.

Symptoms of Patients who Endure Back Surgery
Patients can require back surgery for a variety of reasons where they have endured symptoms including:
- Pins and needles in one or both legs,
- Severe constant low back pain,
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness of certain muscles in the lower extremity, and/or loss of control of bowel/bladder (emergency).
Back Surgery Types
Additional Types of Back Surgery Include:
- Upper Back and Neck Surgery
- Mid Back Surgey
- Lower back Surgery
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Treatment Plan
Assessing Your Condition
When you first come to pt Health, you physiotherapist will begin your treatment with an initial assessment. During this time your therapist will check your surgical site and the healing process of the surrounding tissue. They will also observe your spinal range of motion, and surrounding joints (hip) and lower limb strength.
Reducing Pain and Inflammation
Once your assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will work to control pain and inflammation along with regaining range of motion and core strength using modalities such as ultrasound (if indicated), IFC, acupuncture, ice or heat. Plus, one of the best parts of physiotherapy is massage therapy which can be used to promote adequate tissue healing during your care.
Exercise Boosts Your Strength
Exercise plays a big role in post-surgical back rehab. While at the clinic your physiotherapist will want to get your muscles moving with loosening, stretching, and gliding movements. In order to improve lung and heart function your therapist will also have you walking on the treadmill or riding the stationary bike as well.
Depending on your injury, your physiotherapist may also have you perform exercises which help control the muscles of the neck and back for stabilization. From there, they will work with you on body mechanics which show you how move properly while keeping the neck and back safe. Then, as you become more independent, a home based exercise program will be advised. Occupational therapy may also be introduced to promote independence and develop a plan for returning to work following therapy.
How Long Does My Treatment Last?
Treatment length is variable but typically ranges from eight to twelve weeks.

Why Back Surgery?
Patients who endure back surgery have typically exhausted all other non-surgical options. At pt Health for example, we commonly see post-surgical patients who have undergone a spinal fusion where two (or more) bones of the spine are joined together. Other examples include someone who has undergone a spinal decompression.
Coverage Options
At pt Health, we know that sorting out insurance paperwork can be time-consuming and confusing. We want your focus to be on getting well and staying well. With that in mind, we do our best to help you navigate through the necessary forms. We speak with your insurance providers and we’ll answer any questions you may have about your coverage.
- RCMP
- DND
- Canadian Forces
- Veterans Affairs
For any treatments that are only partially covered, you may be asked to co-pay the difference at each visit.