Originally posted by shelley
I can tell you some details and give you my experience, however, I do believe you should work with a physical therapist if you haven't already. I have had two bouts of therapy, the first was through the hospital after my first long fusion. This second therapy was with a group affiliated with my surgeon's office and I was much more satisfied with this second regimen. Besides, it was nice that, if needed, they could consult with my surgeon just by walking downstairs!
Basically what they taught me is at all times to keep the abdomen tight and the low back stable - not flexing, and flat to the floor while doing any of the floor exercises. For instance, knee to chest, hamstring stretch, piriformis stretch, crunches are GOOD.
The BAD exercises involve (1) twisting the trunk of the body such as the Nautilus rotary torso machine, and (2) any that put stress on the low back such as power lifting, squats, clean jerks (I couldn't do these even if I wanted to!) (3) any that involve bending the torso excessively such as touch toes, full situp (Again, I couldn't do it if my life depended on it!) Any forward or back bending exercises I have been given focus on keeping the entire trunk of the body erect, not bent.
For aerobics, walking, treadmill, stationary bicycle = GOOD; Stair stepper = BAD (Too much hip rotation.)
Again, I encourage you to seek physical therapy because I mentioned only exercises commonly known; the other exercises I was given need to be shown to you by a professional. And once I got the concept of keeping the low back and trunk stable, it got easier to identify the movements to avoid.
My biggest concern right now is walking. I can do 30-60 minutes on the treadmill, but that's because I can hold on. If I try to walk outdoors I can't do more than 10 minutes before I start bending forward and have to sit down for awhile. I'm hoping this will improve with time. (I'm 7 months out from my last surgery.)
Hope this helps.
Truly Aries
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