Further follow-up treatment on an outpatient basis

Once the acute phase of spinal canal surgery is over, the rehabilitation phase begins. Here, the patient can decide whether he or she wishes to undergo inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. In both cases, the therapy aims to improve strength and mobility and to help the patient cope better with everyday life.

Further exercises and information on post-treatment can be found in the article “Spinal canal stenosis in cervical physiotherapy”. To improve the muscles in the shoulder girdle, all tension exercises for the scapula can be performed. Pulling back the shoulder with arms above the head or in front of the body, or bridging in the supine position, provides good muscular tension.

Depending on how long the spinal canal was constricted, sensitivity disorders and movement restrictions in the shoulder-arm complex may still exist. If this is the case, the therapist mobilizes the shoulder blade, the arm in all degrees of movement and also the rest of the spine. The shoulder blade is especially important.In the lateral position, it can be mobilized particularly well without any lifting.

If the mobility of the shoulder blade is free, the shoulder joint can move in the final position, since several joints are involved in the mobility of the shoulder. Tension in the shoulder neck area can be improved with soft tissue techniques, massages and fascial solutions. Tension often causes radiating pain and possibly tingling sensations, as the tension continues to press on the nerve channel.

Traction on the cervical spine, although the spinal canal has been widened by the operation, can also improve the symptoms. In the late phase, treatment is generally more symptom-related, but the patient should know his exercise program and perform it regularly to avoid worsening of the symptoms. These articles cover the topics mentioned here in detail:

1st Exercise: Basic tension exercise The patient lies on his back and leaves his head lying loosely on the floor.
He makes a “double chin” movement in the upper cervical spine and pushes the entire head backwards into the support. The tension should be held for several seconds and repeated 10-12 times.
2nd Exercise: Basic Stress Exercise If the rotation is enabled, the isometric stress can also be applied in this direction. The patient rotates as far as he/she gets into the rotation, goes out again minimally and puts the hand on the cheek. He builds up tension with the hand in the cheek and with the cheek in the hand.

Mobilization exercises cervical spine
Fascial Training
Soft tissue massages