Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation

From Chronic Back Pain to a Pain Free, Active Life

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A client came to our office with persistent low back pain and aching hips. Despite ongoing discomfort, she refused to give up her active lifestyle. She continued skiing, hiking, and staying outdoors as much as possible.

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During her evaluation, we recognized the possibility of a more serious issue in the lower lumbar spine. To understand the full picture, we referred her for X rays and an MRI. The results revealed a grade II degenerative spondylolisthesis with a bilateral PARS defect, a condition requiring surgery for the best long term outcome.

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Before moving forward with surgery, we created a pre surgical rehabilitation plan to build strength, stability, body awareness, and endurance. Preparing the body ahead of time would dramatically improve her chances of a smooth recovery and help her return to an active life faster.

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Building the Foundation Before Surgery

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The first step was teaching proper core muscle activation, focusing on the transverse abdominis, an essential muscle for spinal stability. We used a stabilizer biofeedback device to guide her through a variety of core based exercises and then progressed into anti rotation work to enhance spinal support.

Once she developed core control, we introduced functional movement patterns including deep knee bends, lunges, and step ups. These movements were essential for supporting daily activities and maintaining her active lifestyle.

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We also refined her walking gait with custom orthotics to improve medial arch stability and overall mechanics. At the same time, we emphasized maintaining core activation during hip extension and abduction while improving bilateral hip mobility and strength.

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This phase was not just physical training but re education of movement patterns for better coordination, control, and efficiency.

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A Collaborative Team Approach

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Throughout her prehabilitation, she received care from multiple providers including chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and neurofeedback therapy. Each service played an important role in reducing pain, improving nervous system regulation, and restoring body awareness.

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The entire team communicated daily to ensure treatments worked together toward one shared goal: preparing her for surgery and maximizing her ability to recover quickly and safely.

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Surgery and an Exceptional Recovery

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After four months of structured pre surgical rehabilitation, she underwent an L5 S1 spinal fusion. Because her body was well prepared, her recovery exceeded expectations.

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She was able to walk with virtually no pain immediately after surgery and continued her core activation exercises right away. Her quality of life improved dramatically, and she regained stability, strength, and confidence.

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Today she is pain free and continues to refine bilateral hip coordination and endurance through functional and impact activities, fully returning to the outdoor lifestyle she loves.

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Why This Story Matters

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This story highlights the importance of pre surgical rehabilitation. Preparing the body in advance improves outcomes, shortens recovery time, and allows a smoother return to the activities patients value most.

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It also demonstrates the power of a collaborative care model. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and neurofeedback worked together to restore function and build resilience.

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For anyone considering surgery, this journey shows what is possible with the right plan and the right team.

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