What is Spine Rehabilitation?
Spine Rehabilitation is a treatment aiming at various spinal disorders acute/chronic which focuses on restoring and protecting body functions as much as possible. Depending on the spinal issues, duration of rehabilitation varies. Age factor, gender and pain tolerating capacity and perseverance of the patient also plays a vital role during rehabilitation process.
The earlier a patient stats rehabilitation, the sooner the recovery rate will be, as Neves and muscles tend to stiffen. Frequent movements is essential, so delayed treatment will prolong the restoration of body functions, potentially taking years.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of spine rehabilitation, the various exercises and treatments involved; the challenges faced by the patients during the spine rehabilitation journey.
Walking practice using parallel bars during spine rehabilitation
Why is it impotant?
It is important because it improves flexibility, promotes proper posture, strengthen the muscles supporting our spine, alleviates pain and prevent further injury. During spine rehabilitation, physiotherapists consistently encourage patients to perform exercises that strengthen and improve flexibility, aiming to restore the body’s mobility.
Spine issues that typically require spine rehabilitation
Spine rehabilitation can be given to patients with minor issues like low back pain to major issues like spinal cord injury and any procedures like posterior stabilization, laminectomy, etc.,
Here is a list of spinal issues requiring spine rehabilitation-
Treatments at Spine Rehabilitation
Spine rehabilitation mainly focuses on balance and mobility training, muscles strengthening and encouraging patients to perform daily living activities with minimum dependency or independently.
Treatments can include various exercises designed by experienced physiotherapists according to the patient’s muscle chat-initial assessment. In treatment plan, advanced pain management modalities like Super Inductive System (SIS therapy, TECAR therapy, Shockwave therapy and IFT, TENS, Ultrasound therapy along with occupational therapy plays a major role.
Shockwave Therapy Super Inductive System Therapy
Physiotherapy Exercises
1.Core Strengthening Exercises
1.1) Planks using stability ball to strengthen core muscles, enhances stability and improves overall balance.
1.2) Bridges using resistance bands to strengthen the lower back, gluteal muscles, am stings, improving stability and support for the spine.
2.Balance Training Exercises
2.1) Standing Heel-to-Toe walks using balance boards to enhance coordination, balance, strengthen lower limb and reducing the risk of falls.
2.2) Single-Leg Stands using stability ball to improve balance, strengthen lower limb and increase core stability.
Cummins walker training to regain mobility, improve balance and coordination
3.Mobility Exercises
3.1) Seated marching using resistance bands for increasing hip flexibility, strengthens hip flexors and quadriceps and improve lower limb mobility.
3.2) Seated leg lifts using ankle weights for strengthening quadriceps and hip flexors, enhancing lower limb mobility and improving overall leg strength.
4.Gait Training Exercises
4.1) Walking using Parallel bars to improve walking ability, enhance balance, strengthens lower body muscles and aiding in better mobility.
4.2) Gait Trainers to support safe walking practice, mobility improvement and building confidence in movement.
Gait training at spine rehabilitation
5.Bowel and Bladder Management Exercises
5.1) Pelvic Floor Exercises for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and reducing urinary incontinence.
5.2) Abdominal Exercises for strengthening core muscles, aids in bowel movements and supports bladder function.
Super Inductive System (SIS) therapy
Usage – SIS therapy involves the use of high intensity electromagnetic fields to stimulate Neves and muscles.
Benefits – for bowel and bladder management, SIS therapy helps to enhance pelvic floor muscle strength and neuromuscular control, which is crucial for improving continence and reducing incontinence episodes.
Mechanism – by targeting specific areas, SIS therapy can improve the coordination and strength of the muscles involved in bowel and bladder function, promoting better control and regularity.
6.Deep Breathing Exercises
To improve diaphragm strength, enhance abdominal pressure and support bowel movements.
7.Hip and Lower Back Stretches
Relieves tension, improves pelvic alignment and supports bowel and bladder function
Occupational Therapy Exercises
1.Shoulder Flexion and Extension
To improve the range of motion, enhance shoulder flexibility and reduce stiffness.
2.Shoulder Abduction and Adduction
To increase shoulder mobility, strengthen shoulder muscles.
3.Shoulder Circles
Foward and Backward Wheel Rotation to enhance joint mobility, reduce muscle tension and improves circulation.
TECAR therapy
Usage – TECAR therapy uses radio frequency energy to generate deep heat within body tissues.
Benefits – This therapy helps in increasing shoulder mobility by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. It also effectively reduces muscle spasticity by relaxing muscles and improving their elasticity.
Mechanism – The deep heat generated by the TECAR therapy helps to soften tight muscles, decrease pain and facilitate a greater range of motion, making it an excellent option for patients with restricted shoulder mobility and muscle spasticity.
4.Fine Gip Movements
4.1) Finger Bead Picking to improve fine motor skills, enhances hand-eye coordination and strengthen finger muscles.
4.2) Putty Exercises to strengthen hand muscles, improves grip strength and enhances dexterity.
4.3) Finger Tapping to enhance coordination, improves finger independence and strengthens fine motor skills.
4.4) Grip Strengthening using spring loaded devices or soft balls to improve hand
endurance and enhance overall hand function.
Grip strengthening to improve hand-eye coordination
and finger movements
5.Activities of Daily Living(ADL) Exercises
5.1) Dressing Practice to improve fine motor skills, enhance independence and boosts confidence.
5.2) Feeding Exercises to enhance hand-eye coordination and improves nutritional intake.
5.3) Grooming and Hygiene practice tasks like brushing teeth, combing hair and washing face to promote personal hygiene and boosts self-esteem.
5.4) Button Hooks and Zipper Pulls simplifies dressing tasks, enhances fine motor skills and promotes independence.
Regular practice of these ADL exercises improves overall functionality and ease of daily activities. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists play a vital role in educating patients about all aspects of their treatment and long-term care.
Recovery rate of patients undergoing spine rehabilitation
1.Acute Conditions
1.1) Minor Strains/Sprains Recovery can occur within a few weeks to a couple of months with proper care and rehabilitation.
1.2) Moderate Herniated Discs Many patients see improvement within 36 months.
2.Chronic Conditions
2.1) Degenerative Disc Disease significant functional improvements can be seen within 6-12 months
2.2) Chronic Pain Conditions consistent rehabilitation can lead to pain reduction and mobility improvements over 812 months.
3.Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
3.1) Spinal Fusion Initial recovery takes 612 months, with continued improvements over the following year.
3.2) Decompression Surgeries Many patients see improvements within 36 months, with continued progress over a year.
4.Spinal Cord Injuries
4.1) Incomplete Injuries Some patients achieve significant functional improvements within the first year, with continued progress over few years.
4.2) Complete Injuries Recovery is more limited, focusing on maximizing remaining function and adapting to new ways of performing daily activities.
Success Rates and Outcomes
FAQ’S about Spine Rehabilitation
1.Can spine rehabilitation help with chronic pain?
Yes, spine rehabilitation can significantly help manage chronic pain by strengthening the supporting muscles, improving flexibility and teaching patients pain management techniques and proper body mechanics.
2.Is spine rehabilitation suitable after surgery?
Yes, spine rehabilitation is often crucial after spinal surgery. It helps in recovery by restoring mobility, strengthening the spine and ensuing proper healing of the surgical site.
3.How can I stat a spine rehabilitation program?
To stat a spine rehabilitation program, consult with a spine surgeon or a experienced physiotherapist. They will conduct a thorough assessment and create a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs and goals.
4.Are there any Risks associated with spine rehabilitation?
While spine rehabilitation is generally safe, there can be some risks if exercises are performed incorrectly or if there is an underlying medical condition. It’s important to follow the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist and report any unusual pain or symptoms immediately.
Conclusion
Spine rehabilitation is a vital process for individuals recovering from spine-related conditions. By incorporating a comprehensive approach that includes physical therapy, pain management, education and lifestyle modification, spine rehabilitation aims to reduce pain, improve mobility and enhance quality of life. Early and consistent engagement leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. Through the support and guidance of spine specialists and physiotherapists, patients can achieve significant improvements and lead more active, pain
free lives.
