Case 24 – Functional Recovery Following Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Presentation:

A 62-year-old woman presented for movement assessment and exercise guidance following two spinal surgeries (T12 thoracic 5 years prior, C7 cervical 3 years prior).

Case 24 – Post-Spinal Surgery Recovery: From chronic pain and severe movement limitation after cervical and thoracic surgery to pain-free mobility, restored strength, and completing a half marathon within weeks.

She reported:

- Persistent spinal discomfort

- Limited functional capacity (unable to lift >1kg, difficulty walking >500m)

- Significant deconditioning (37kg bodyweight, 13kg weight loss over 2 years)

- Poor sleep quality requiring medication

- Self-reported weakness and altered sensation in right leg

She had received extensive treatment through medical and allied health practitioners in Taiwan without functional improvement.

Approach:

Working within scope of practice and in collaboration with her medical team, I provided:

- Movement assessment and biomechanical analysis

- Remedial massage addressing fascial restrictions and movement compensations

- Progressive loading protocols under supervision

- Education on pain science and nervous system regulation

- Graduated return to activity planning

Patient-Reported Outcomes:

The patient reported significant functional improvements over 4 weeks:

- Progressive increase in load tolerance (comfortable lifting >13kg)

- Gradual return to walking and running activities

- Completion of 5km, 10km, and 21km distances

- Improved spinal mobility and comfort

- Weight gain (4kg)

- Improved sleep quality (reduced medication use in consultation with prescribing doctor)

Clinical Observations:

- Visible improvement in spinal alignment and movement patterns

- Reduced compensatory strategies

- Increased confidence in movement

- Systematic progression through graduated loading

Discussion:

This case demonstrates how addressing movement patterns, load tolerance, and nervous system regulation can support functional recovery in individuals with complex post-surgical presentations.

Outcomes reflect the patient's commitment to rehabilitation, potential natural recovery trajectory post-surgery, and multidisciplinary care approach.

Important Notes:

- Patient was medically cleared for exercise progression

- Medication changes were managed by prescribing physician

- Progressive loading followed established exercise science principles

- Individual outcomes vary significantly

- This reflection documents one patient's experience and does not guarantee similar results

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Hill Yang

Sports Performance Specialist | Complex Case Rehabilitation

Heal Young Massage, Gold Coast

Specialising in cases that haven't responded to standard treatment

20+ years experience | 25,000+ clients treated

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