Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooSpinal Fusion
Whole body
What It Is
Spinal Fusion Anatomy
How Spinal Fusion is Performed
Lumbar fusion has been performed for decades, and several different techniques can be used (AAOS, n.d.). The surgeon may reach the spine from the front (an anterior approach, through a cut in the lower abdomen), from the back (a posterior approach) or from the side (a lateral approach). Minimally invasive techniques allow some fusions to be done through smaller cuts (AAOS, n.d.). The right procedure depends on the location and nature of your problem, so your own case will be looked at carefully before a final decision is made (AAOS, n.d.).
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
Recovery
Recovery takes time. Bone healing is usually first seen on X-ray at about six weeks, substantial healing takes place around three months, and healing can continue for up to a year after surgery (West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 2025). Your surgical team and physiotherapist will tell you how and when to increase your activities, and you should follow their instructions rather than a general plan. Once your surgeon is happy for you to start, I can support their plan with gentle hands-on care and exercise. See the My Approach tab for how I work.
Tips
- Follow the recovery instructions given to you by your surgical team.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating and drinking well, supports your general health during recovery.
- Attend the physiotherapy and rehabilitation your team arranges; physiotherapists guide your rehabilitation, but you have an important part to play in doing the exercises (West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 2025).
Treatment
My Approach
After spinal fusion, the bones need time to knit into one solid piece, and your surgical team sets the rules: how much to bend, lift and twist, whether you wear a brace, and when to drive or go back to work. I work inside those limits and need your surgeon's okay before we start any hands-on treatment. Bring any notes or exercise sheets from your surgical team or physiotherapist.
I check what you've been cleared for, then assess how you move and walk, your posture, your strength, and the nerves to your legs.
Early Recovery
- Gentle, relaxing work for the back, hip, neck and shoulder muscles that tighten from guarding and moving differently, in comfortable supported positions
- No joint mobilisation or firm pressure over the fused part of your spine
- Support with your team's walking plan and gentle exercises, little and often
- Breathing, relaxation, and help understanding why some pain is normal while you heal
Later Recovery
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Sources
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Spinal fusion. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (2025) Physiotherapy following your spinal fusion. Patient information leaflet. Available at: https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets/physiotherapy-following-your-spinal-fusion-1 (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016, updated 2026) Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59) – Recommendations. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng59/chapter/Recommendations (Accessed: 7 October 2026).