Spines can be fused in so many ways, with different levels of fusion, different equipment used to fuse, and different techniques to do so.

Because of this high variety, we really have to go gently and figure out what’s best for you.

First and foremost, if you’ve had fusion surgery, you should already have guidelines to follow. Usually, surgeons and physical therapists give these out pre and post-surgery.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR SURGEON AND REFER TO THE GUIDELINES GIVEN FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION if you need specific guidance. Do not take this is as medical advice.

Again, these are general guidelines:

Guideline 1: Don’t force or crank on anything. This is going to be you learning how to give exercise 50% of what you have at the start…and slowly building intensity in when you trust and understand what you’re trying to do.

Guideline 2: Avoid any position that when you look at, you question it. If your instinct is telling you to not do it – don’t. I trust your gut, you should as well.

Guideline 3: Avoid BIG twists and snake-like motion. Chances are you have already been given this advice in rehab post-surgery and have been shown movements to avoid. Again, if you are unsure, you can always consult your physician, surgeon, or physical therapist.

There are a few exercises like The Mid-Back Opener, sometimes the Hip Twist Over Stretch, and Modified Roller Coasters as well as Roller Coasters that can place a lot of stress on the spine.

Cat Cows are on the fence of doable or shouldn’t do because of how they ask the spine to go through flexion and extension. Some people with fusions love these as it asks movement to happen in the unfused spots which don’t really receive a lot of motion because of the fusion – and others don’t like to move their spine. You have to find what’s right for you.

Trust your instincts and take it slow until you get familiar with what the exercise is asking your body to do!