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Depending on the type of spine surgery and the support system a patient has in place at home – our surgeons may recommend they stay at an in-patient rehabilitation centre following their operation.

The NSW Spine Specialists’ medical team works closely with the rehabilitation centre to tailor the patient’s recovery plan to their individual needs and circumstances.

A post-operative stay at a rehabilitation centre is usually only recommended for patients who are not expected to be independent following surgery.

If a person lives alone but has family members or friends who can check in on them regularly and help with household tasks it may be more appropriate for them to go straight home from hospital.

What happens at an in-patient rehabilitation centre?

The aim of in-patient rehabilitation is to help safely build a person’s independence in a supportive environment. Patients will receive personalised care from a nurse, and gradually they will be encouraged to do more for themselves in preparation for their return home.

At the centre, patients will also attend the gym with a physiotherapist to develop their strength. The aim of these sessions are to gradually increase a person’s mobility rather than to overextend them while their body is still recovering from surgery. The type of surgery a person has will determine the length of time they need help for.

About 50 per cent of New South Wales Spine Specialists’ patients attend in-patient rehabilitation after surgery.

Other types of rehabilitation

No formal rehabilitation program is recommended for the first six weeks after surgery. Rather short gentle walks are encouraged to keep the patient moving.

This gives the body time to recover before a patient is cleared by Dr Hsu or Dr Singh to start gentle physiotherapy or rehabilitation to increase their strength and range of motion.

Some patients who attend in-patient rehabilitation may choose to return to the centre for their day program.

Restrictions after spine surgery

Working or driving is usually not recommended for the first 4-6 weeks after spine surgery. Standing and walking for short periods of time are encouraged as soon as possible after surgery.

Generally, patients are advised not to bend, twist or lift anything greater than two kilograms for the first six weeks after their surgery. Weight limits can gradually increase after this time.