The Key to Early and Successful Recovery from a Spinal Fusion
When a patient undergoes a spinal fusion, their top priority is recovery — returning to function, regaining confidence in movement, and avoiding future complications. Yet there’s a hidden obstacle to that recovery: the disruption of the deep core muscles that are essential for spinal stability.
💡 Why Deep Core Activation Matters
During a spinal fusion, the multifidus muscles — the spine’s deepest stabilizers — are typically disrupted to access and stabilize the spine mechanically. While this surgical step is necessary, it means that the multifidus muscles are at high risk for loss of function.
Research shows that even after one episode of low back pain, the multifidus can shut down and fail to recover without specific retraining. After spinal fusion surgery, where these muscles have been directly disrupted, reactivating them becomes even more critical for long-term success.
🧠 The Solution: Early, Gentle Core Activation
The good news? There is a solution. Early activation of the deep core system — including the transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and remaining multifidus — is the key to restoring stability from the inside out.
The first, safest step is to begin with gentle transverse abdominis engagement. This means: ✅ A soft, inward drawing of the belly button
✅ No bracing
✅ No breath holding
✅ No bearing down
This subtle activation helps reestablish communication within the deep core team, supporting the spine’s healing and setting the foundation for future strengthening.
🌟 How I Can Help
As a physical therapist specializing in spinal recovery, I can guide patients through this process safely and effectively — even virtually. If you’re a spinal surgeon, or a patient recovering from spinal fusion, I invite you to:
➡ Visit me at https://lnkd.in/ggbzC_77
➡ Ask me questions or request support for your recovery journey
Together, we can help more patients achieve the outcomes they deserve.
Aloha,
