Spinal Surgery Rehab at Home
Recovering from back surgery can feel daunting. Whether you have had a decompression, discectomy, or spinal fusion, the thought of moving again at home is often accompanied by anxiety about pain and protecting the surgical site.
Our HCPC-registered physiotherapists and occupational therapists provide specialist spinal surgery rehab at home across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. We bridge the gap between hospital discharge and full independence — ensuring you recover safely without the discomfort of travelling to a clinic.
Understanding Spinal Surgery Recovery
Spinal surgery is not one procedure — it covers a range of operations, each with its own recovery demands. Your rehabilitation depends heavily on what was done and how your body responds. The common thread is that early, guided mobilisation at home leads to better outcomes than staying still and waiting for a clinic appointment.
Decompression (Laminectomy)
Often allows quicker mobilisation. The focus is on relieving nerve pressure and rebuilding core stability to support the spine.
Discectomy
Removal of disc material to relieve pain. Requires careful core strengthening and movement retraining to prevent recurrence.
Spinal Fusion
A more complex recovery with strict protocols while the bones fuse. Rehabilitation is slower but essential for a good long-term outcome.
Cervical (Neck) Surgery
Requires specific focus on posture, head positioning, and upper limb function alongside general spinal rehabilitation.
Whatever the procedure, the first weeks at home are critical. Many patients are discharged with a generic exercise sheet and little guidance on how to manage daily tasks safely. Our therapists fill that gap — visiting you at home to provide expert, hands-on rehabilitation tailored to your specific surgery.
Your Recovery Timeline
Every recovery is individual, but most spinal surgery patients move through three broad phases. For fusion patients, timelines may be extended.
Protection & Safety (Weeks 1–4)
The priority is protecting the surgery and managing pain. We focus on safe transfers (getting in and out of bed and chairs), walking little and often, and strictly adhering to your surgeon's restrictions. Your surgeon will likely set "BLT" rules: no Bending, no Lifting, no Twisting. We teach you how to wash, dress, and move around the home within these limits.
Stability & Movement (Weeks 4–8)
Once initial healing has occurred, we introduce gentle core activation and postural re-education. This phase is about building the "internal corset" of deep muscle to support your spine as you carefully increase activity levels.
Function & Strength (Weeks 8–16+)
A steady return to normal activities, hobbies, and potentially driving. The goal is to build resilience so you can move with confidence and without fear of re-injury. For fusion patients, this phase may begin later and progress more gradually.
How Our Team Helps After Spinal Surgery
By combining physiotherapy (movement and strength) with occupational therapy (daily living and home safety), we deliver a complete rehabilitation programme — not just exercises.
Physiotherapy: Movement & Strength
Our physiotherapists focus on the physical mechanics of your spinal recovery — restoring safe movement, rebuilding core strength, and helping you regain confidence in your body.
- Log-Rolling & Safe Transfers — Teaching you the correct way to get in and out of bed without twisting, and how to move between sitting and standing safely, protecting the surgical site during critical early weeks.
- Core Stability Training — Guided activation of deep abdominal muscles to build the "internal corset" that supports your spine, progressing exercises gradually as healing allows.
- Gait Re-education — Correcting walking patterns that may have developed from months of pre-operative pain, practising on your own floors and stairs, not a clinic corridor.
- Neural Mobilisation — Gentle techniques to help nerves glide freely and reduce residual tingling or sensitivity, recognizing that nerves heal more slowly than muscle or bone.
Occupational Therapy: Daily Living & Safety
Our occupational therapists focus on the practical challenges of daily life while you're recovering — ensuring you can manage personal care, move safely around the home, and maintain your independence within your surgical restrictions.
- Personal Care Within Restrictions — Techniques to wash and dress your lower body without breaking "no bending" rules, keeping you independent without compromising your recovery.
- Home Safety Assessment — Identifying trip hazards, furniture that is too low, and areas where you may need adaptations in your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen (see our home adaptations service).
- Energy Conservation & Pacing — Strategies to pace your day so you have enough energy for what matters, managing post-surgical fatigue without exhausting yourself and setting back your recovery.
- Sleep Positioning — Advice on pillow placement and sleeping postures to keep the spine neutral at night, practical guidance that can transform your sleep quality.
Practical Equipment for Spinal Recovery
Small adaptations can make a significant difference to your independence while you adhere to surgical restrictions. Our OTs assess what you actually need and help you avoid buying equipment that is unnecessary.
Grabbers & Reachers
Essential for picking up items from the floor without bending.
Sock Aids & Long-handled Sponges
For independent dressing and washing within BLT restrictions.
Raised Toilet Seat
Makes standing up from the toilet safer and easier without spinal flexion.
Bed Lever
A rail that slides under the mattress to assist with log-rolling and standing from bed.
Why Home-Based Rehab After Spinal Surgery
Travelling to a clinic with a healing spine is painful, exhausting, and often counterproductive. The car journey alone can use up the energy you need for your exercises, and sitting in a waiting room on a hard chair is the last thing your back needs.
By visiting you at home, we save your energy for what matters: your recovery. We practise the movements you actually need — getting in and out of your bed, managing your bathroom, sitting comfortably in your armchair. Our OT checks whether your furniture heights, mattress support, and sleeping arrangements are helping or hindering your recovery.
Family members can also observe techniques and learn how to help safely between sessions — a significant advantage that clinic-based rehab cannot offer.
What to Expect
Initial assessment at home
Your therapist visits within days of discharge (60-90 minutes). We review your surgical notes and discharge letter, check wound healing, assess your mobility, and evaluate your home environment for safety.
Surgery-specific rehabilitation plan
Based on your specific procedure, your consultant's protocol, and your personal goals, we create a clear plan with measurable milestones. No generic exercise sheets.
Regular sessions
Typically one to two sessions per week, progressing exercises as your strength and confidence improve. We communicate directly with your consultant or GP if there are concerns about your progress.
Return to independence
Our goal is to get you moving confidently again — managing stairs, returning to hobbies, and eventually driving. We build resilience so you can move without fear of re-injury.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While pain and discomfort are a normal part of recovery, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. Contact your surgeon or attend A&E if you experience:
- Cauda equina signs: Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin and buttock area
- Foot drop: Sudden inability to lift your foot or toes
- Signs of infection: Fever, shaking, or the wound becoming hot, red, or leaking fluid
- Escalating pain: Pain that is worsening significantly despite medication
What Patients Say About Our Post-Surgery Rehab
Independent reviews from patients we have helped recover at home. Read all our 5-star Google reviews.
"We had Seena help my 91 year old mum recover from a hip replacement operation last year. Seena was excellent at encouraging my mum to do all the appropriate exercises and getting her confidence back after her fall. We have been very pleased with the results. We have been using Seena on a weekly basis for 10 months as we see the benefit she is giving to my mum. She would not be as strong on her feet if we did not have Seena helping us. Thank you Seena."
Carole Richmond
Google Review
"Jo was excellent in supporting my 99 year old dad after he suffered a hip fracture. She supported him to get mobile and provided exercises to help him regain muscle strength. Lots of incredibly helpful suggestions and an extremely positive and encouraging therapist — we are extremely grateful!"
Annie Jenkinson
Google Review
"My daughter contacted Medella for advice after my major surgery and stroke. The receptionist was extremely helpful and felt Seena would be the right physiotherapist to help me. Seena has given a sympathetic but firm approach encouraging me to regain movement in both my arms and to also strengthen my legs. Her knowledge and expertise have been invaluable and her exercises gentle but challenging. I would highly recommend her."
Wendy Brightman
Google Review
Spinal Surgery Rehab Home Visit Pricing
Spinal surgery rehabilitation from £60 per home visit. Your initial assessment (£120, 60-90 minutes) includes a full review of your surgical notes, a physical and functional evaluation, and a personalised rehabilitation plan.
No contracts or minimum commitments. Most patients start with an initial assessment, then agree a session frequency based on recovery stage and goals. We invoice monthly in arrears.
£120
Initial Assessment
60-90 minutes
£60
30-min Follow-up
30 minutes
£90
45-min Follow-up
45 minutes
Meet Our Spinal Rehabilitation Team
Our team averages 19+ years of clinical experience. No junior staff. View all team profiles.
Naomi Patrick
Clinical Director & Senior Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy
Julia Pervin
Senior Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy
Seena Thomas
Senior Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy
Sarah Grisenthwaite
Senior Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy
Rosie Watts
Senior Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy
Naomi Gibson
Senior Physiotherapist
PhysiotherapyFrequently Asked Questions
When should I start physiotherapy after spinal surgery?
Ideally within the first week or two of being discharged. Early, supervised mobilisation prevents deconditioning and ensures you develop safe movement habits from the start. Contact us before you leave hospital if possible — we can visit within days of your return home.
When can I drive after spinal surgery?
Usually only once you can perform an emergency stop without pain and are no longer taking strong painkillers — typically six weeks or more, depending on your procedure. Always check with your surgeon. We can help you build towards this milestone as part of your rehabilitation plan.
Why does my leg still hurt after decompression surgery?
Nerves heal much more slowly than muscle or bone. It is common for nerves to remain sensitive or “wake up” after pressure is removed, causing temporary tingling, numbness, or altered sensation. This usually improves over weeks to months. Neural mobilisation techniques, which our physiotherapists can teach you, can help speed this process.
Do I have to sleep on my back after spinal surgery?
Not necessarily. We can teach you how to sleep on your side safely using pillows between your knees to keep the spine in a neutral position. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is one of the most common challenges after spinal surgery, and practical positioning advice from an OT can make a significant difference.
Which areas do you cover?
We provide home visits across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. This includes Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, Ringwood, and the surrounding towns and villages.
Start Your Spinal Recovery at Home
Do not wait for a clinic appointment. Contact us today to arrange a specialist post-operative assessment at home. We can usually visit within days of your discharge.