Physical Activity After Spinal Fusion
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After your child’s spinal fusion, it is important for them to get up and move throughout the day. We will assign a physical therapist (PT) to your child to help them get started.
What can I expect for my child after their surgery?
- Follow these guidelines to help your child move after their spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis.
- Every child is different, but this is what movement usually looks like after surgery.
Day 0 (day of surgery)
- The inpatient nurse will help your child to sit at the edge of the bed (dangle) for at least 10 minutes.
- We will teach your child how to roll over without twisting (log roll) in bed.
Day 1
- Your child needs to sit in a chair 3 times for 30 minutes each time. The PT will help them get into the chair the first time, showing you how to assist them as well.
- You’ll be expected to work with your child’s nurse to get them up the 2nd and 3rd time through the remainder of the day.
- Sometimes your child will be ready to progress to day 2 goals. The PT will help decide if your child is ready to do this and show you how to assist them.
Day 2
- We expect your child will walk into the hallway holding your arm or hand or using a walker.
- Your child needs to take 3 walks throughout the day in the hallway. They will also be expected to sit in the chair 3 times, for at least 30 minutes each time.
- Your child may be ready to complete stairs today. The PT will help decide if your child is ready for stair training.
Day 3
- Your child and PT will practice stairs (as needed) and continue to walk in the hallway.
- Your PT will make sure your child is safe to go home and will answer any final questions. Most patients will go home by day 3.
Will my child need to wear a back brace?
- Some children need to wear a back brace after surgery (usually called a TLSO or Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis). The surgeon will tell you if your child needs one. Your child may need to wear the brace every time they are out of bed, even if it is just for a short time.
- Your child’s medical team of orthotists, PTs and nurses will teach you how to care for and wear the brace. They will also teach you and your child how to put on and take off the brace before they get out of bed.
What movements should my child avoid?
- Do not bend or twist the spine too much.
- Do not lift, push, or pull objects greater than 10 pounds or lbs (4.5 kilograms or kg) of force. For example, objects that weigh about 10 lbs (4.5 kg) include some vacuum cleaners, a large bag of garbage, a medium cat, or a small dog.
- No contact sports or high impact activities.
What exercise can my child do after spinal fusion?
- Light activity is usually OK. We usually recommend just walking, because it’s the easiest and safest form of exercise.
- Once you get home, you should encourage your child to take a short walk (5-10 minutes) 3 times a day around your home. Gradually build up their daily walking to 20-30 minutes at least 3 times a day.
- Avoid ‘working out’ on gym machines like treadmills, elliptical trainers, etc.
- They will not be allowed to return to contact sports activities until cleared by the surgeon, which could be as soon as 8 weeks or as long as 1 year, depending on the sport.
Can my child shower or bathe?
- Do not allow your child to soak or put their body under water like a tub, pool or lake. That means no baths for at least 3 weeks, until the surgery cut (incision) is completely closed and healed.
- When your child is 3-4 days past surgery, they may shower allowing the soapy water to run down their back/incision. Then you can gently pat the incision site dry.
When can my child return to school?
- Your child will not be allowed to lift or carry a backpack heavier than 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of weight (books/folders/laptops, etc.) for 3 months, or sooner with permission from your surgeon.
- Talk with their classroom teachers to reduce the number of things they’ll need to carry at school.
Can my child do household chores?
- Your child should be allowed to do very light household chores like setting/clearing the dinner table, light meal prep, folding clothes, etc.
- They should not do any lifting, bending over, or tasks where they’re straining.
To Learn More
- Occupational and Physical Therapy
206-987-2113 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
