Motion Is Lotion - Avoid Second Surgery

Often even moderate exercise isn't possible with recent back surgery, yet movement is necessary for proper healing. Since motion will reduce swelling, stiffness, and muscle spasms, as well as, increase range of motion, flexibility, and mobility, it is extremely important in the patient's recovery. Patients who utilize motion are able to decrease the amount of narcotics used faster and return to work sooner, helping to contain costs from lost time from work. In many cases, second surgeries are avoided because scar tissue was forced to heal in more normal striated fashion eliminating conglomerated scarring.

When the body is injured, a healing process begins. Healing occurs in 3 stages. The first is the acute inflammatory phase. This phase will last approximately 72 hours. During this phase, the damaged tissues continuously bleed. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the patient to feel worse for each of the first three days as increased bleeding occurs. The second is regeneration phase. The tears in the damaged tissues and ligaments are repaired during this phase. Cells called fibrocytes, that manufacture and secrete collagen protein glues start to form to bridge the gap in the torn tissues. This will help to begin the repair work. This phase lasts from 6 to 8 weeks. Many erroneously think this to be the end of the healing process. Clearly, however, it is not. The third and final stage is the remodeling phase. This phase begins near the end of the regeneration phase. It is during the phase of remodeling that the collagen protein glues, that have been laid down for repair, are remodeled in the direction of the stress and strain. This means that the fibers in the tissue will become stronger, and will change their direction from an irregular pattern to a more regular one. During this phase the tissues regain strength and alignment. Remodeling continues for one year after the date of injury.