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Physiotherapy for Upper Back Surgery
Upper back surgery is surgery which occurs within the thoracic spine. This is done by orthopaedic surgeons, some who specialise in the spine. An anaesthetist will decided alongside the surgeon and the patients wishes as to which aesthetic they should have. They can have either a local where the area is numbed or a general where the patient is put to sleep completely. They both carry risks but with the experience of the clinical staff will choose the one which best suits the patient. Some of the reasons for having upper back surgery can include:
- Discectomy
- Anterior thoracic fusion
- Posterior thoracic fusion
- Kyphoplasty
- Laminectomy
- Spinal Decompression
Upper back surgery is usually done as a last option after conservative management such as pain management and physiotherapy has not helped to decrease the pain. There will be several protocols post surgery to ensure optimum healing. The surgeon may ask for a brace to be used for a duration post upper back surgery to immobilise movement followed by a course of physiotherapy for rehabilitation. Some of the interventions used by a physiotherapist for the rehabilitation post upper back surgery can include:
- Exercise (range of movement, stretching and strengthening)
- Mobilisations
- Massage
- Electrotherapy
- Acupuncture
There will be a combination of these treatments within the rehabilitation plan post upper back surgery upon the clinical judgement of the experience physiotherapist.
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