stretch ligaments to improve correction @ surgery?

[judyat60]

So, in preparation for my surgery in mid-October, I've been exercising as I can…having to modify to avoid increasing pain.
As I was stretching today, I wondered: Boachie had a bending xray done of my spine and feels he can get approx 60* correction. I believe this is based on how flexible the ligaments are in your back (although I'm pretty flexible, at 60 yrs old, this sems to be a concern). So, if I do some concentrated stretching with this bending in mind, can I stretch/add flexibility to my ligaments, therefore assisting in straightening the curve even further? Or at the least, make the job of straightening easier?
Judy
60* both upper and lower

[Doreen1]

Hi Judy,

Before the Atlanta surgeon cancelled my surgery due to poor bone density results, she highly recommended stretching yoga as much as I could prior to surgery day. She said, "It will make my job much easier." Since then, my morning routine (when I have the most energy and little bit less amount of pain) is to do PT exercises followed by yoga. I am determined to have surgery with Dr. Lenke.

Warmly,
Doreen

[bamboo]

Thank you, Judy, for this thread. I will undergo surgery on the 22th september (yes, in 2 weeks!). When I met the surgeon 6 months ago, I asked him if I could do something to make his work easier. I had stretching in head. He said "no, there is no way to stretch all the tissues around the spine, a stiff back remains stiff" (he was polite enough not to say "and old", but it was as if I had heard it!). I went out his office with a challenge to myself, I decided make the effort trying to stretch anyway. I have been practicing "antigymnastique" for 2 years now, it helps stretching and I don't miss a morning exercising. The worst that can be achieved is "nothing better", but who knows? I'm looking forward to asking the surgeon if my back was as stiff as he thought or more flexible! I will tell you! Anyway, these stretching exercises help me a lot with pain, which is in itself a good reason to continue. :-)

[Confusedmom]

Okay, I asked the same question to at least two surgeons. One of them said, yes, go for it: "Think of it as training." The other said no, and while I can't remember the exact reasoning, I think he said something about stiff curves being stiff because of bone spurs and possibly areas that have naturally fused together--the idea being that you can't stretch bone. But I agree, can't hurt to try!

[Doreen1]

Hi Evelyn,

What was Dr. Lenke's thought on stretching to at least improve flexibility of muscles?

Warmly,
Doreen

[Doreen1]

I have been practicing "antigymnastique" for 2 years now, it helps stretching and I don't miss a morning exercising.

Where did you learn how to do antigymnastique? Their website shows the only place in America is one location in Ohio.

Warmly,
Doreen

[bamboo]

Bonsoir Doreen,
I'm from Québec, and there's a very good practitioner in Montreal. I know that this method is not largely spread in the States. But I guess other methods can do the same job. What I like with antigymnastique, is that I realize, doing it, how every part in our body is related to the others. We practice micro movements, very precise and very small, and it amazes me how I can relieve for example my lumbar region, only by moving toes on a small ball!
Warmly

Bamboo

[Confusedmom]

Doreen,

I can't remember Dr. Lenke's exact words, but I left with the impression that he thinks the more exercise you can do before surgery, the better. But he didn't give me any indication that stretching would increase my chances of a better correction.

Evelyn

[loves to skate]

I did tons of stretching before my surgery. It did not help with the correction.
Sally