Chiropractic Care After Surgery

Chiropractic care after surgery is a great way to speed recovery and ensure you regain health as much as possible as you heal.

Can You See a Chiropractor After Surgery?

You can see a chiropractor after surgery. Your surgeon may recommend chiropractic care as part of your post-operative rehabilitation. Chiropractic adjustment can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and speed up the healing process

What Is Rehab After Surgery?

Rehabilitation after surgery is vital to help patients recover and heal properly. It can involve a combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The goal of rehabilitation is to help patients regain as much function and independence as possible. The type and intensity of rehabilitation will vary depending on the surgery performed, the patient's age and health, and the expected post-surgery recovery time.

Patients who undergo surgery often have a difficult road to recovery. They may be in pain, have limited mobility, and experience other side effects from the surgery. Rehabilitation can help patients manage these issues and regain their strength, flexibility, and function.

Minor Surgeries

After minor surgery, you might need to do some rehab exercises to help you recover. These exercises might include:

• Walking
• Stretching
• Strengthening

Major Surgeries

After major surgery, you'll likely need to do some rehab exercises to help you recover. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your doctor or physical therapist will design a custom exercise program for you. Here are some of the most common types of exercises that might be part of your post-surgery recovery:

• Cardiovascular exercises
• Strength-training exercises
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Flexibility and range-of-motion exercises

Heart or Abdominal Surgeries

After abdominal or heart surgery, you'll likely need to perform rehab exercises to help you recover. Here are some of the most common exercises that may be part of your recovery plan:

• Walking
• Stair climbing
• Stationary biking
• Swimming

Spinal Surgeries

Some common exercises that may be included in your spinal surgery rehabilitation program are:

• Isometric exercises. These involve contracting your muscles without moving your joints. They can help to improve muscle strength and control without putting too much strain on your spine.
• Range of motion exercises. These help to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in your joints and muscles.
• Strengthening exercises. These help to build up the muscles around your spine and improve your overall strength.
• Balance exercises. These help to improve your balance and coordination, which can be important for preventing falls.
• Aerobic exercises. These help to increase your heart rate and improve your overall fitness level. They are important for maintaining a healthy weight.

How Long Do You Have to Wait to See a Chiropractor After Back Surgery?

In general, you’ll need to wait at least six weeks after spinal surgery before seeking chiropractic care, whether you have lumbar spine surgery, spinal fusion surgery, or other surgical procedure. This gives your body time to heal and recover from the surgery. After six weeks, you can start to receive chiropractic treatment to help improve your recovery, as long as your doctor approves.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Surgery Patients

Chiropractic treatment is often thought of as a way to treat pain in the back, neck, and joints. However, chiropractic care can also benefit people who have undergone a surgical procedure. Surgery can often lead to a loss of range of motion and mobility as well as pain. Chiropractic care can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and improve the overall quality of life for surgery patients.

Chiropractic care is often used as a complementary treatment to other forms of post-surgery recovery, such as physical therapy. It can help to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. Chiropractic care can also be used as a standalone treatment for surgery patients.

Conclusion

If you are considering having surgery, or have already had surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits of chiropractic care.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.