Athletes are known for their resilience, pushing their bodies to the limits in pursuit of peak performance. However, when a spinal injury occurs, the recovery process can be long and grueling. Traditional spinal surgeries often require lengthy hospital stays and months of rehabilitation, sidelining athletes for extended periods. Fortunately, with the advancement of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MIS), recovery times have been shortened considerably, making it a popular option for athletes who want to return to their sport as quickly as possible. Dr. Larry Davidson, a specialist in minimally invasive spinal techniques, has been instrumental in refining these surgeries to reduce recovery times and help athletes return to competition more efficiently. MIS has become an essential tool for treating conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, allowing athletes to regain mobility faster.
The use of MIS in athletic recovery is transforming the way athletes approach rehabilitation. With smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, athletes are able to return to normal activities more quickly compared to traditional surgeries. The following breakdown provides a week-by-week look at what athletes can expect during the recovery process after undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery. From the initial days of recovery to the final stages of returning to sport, this timeline offers insights into how athletes can safely and efficiently regain their strength and return to full activity.
Week 1: Initial Recovery and Pain Management
The first week following minimally invasive spine surgery is focused on immediate recovery. Athletes can generally expect some discomfort, but the pain should be manageable with medication. The primary goal during this period is to manage pain and avoid any strenuous movements. Though the minimally invasive nature of the surgery reduces overall trauma, the body still needs time to heal from the procedure.
Functional Milestones:
- Pain Management – The pain from MIS is typically less intense than from traditional surgeries. Pain medications are prescribed to manage any discomfort, and most patients find they need less medication after the first few days.
- Initial Mobility – Athletes are encouraged to start moving around within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Walking short distances helps promote blood circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. It is a key part of the recovery process, as staying still for long periods can lead to complications.
- Rest and Recovery – While gentle movement is encouraged, athletes should focus on getting plenty of rest and elevating their bodies to help reduce swelling. Lifting, bending and twisting should be avoided.
Expectations for Trainers:
Trainers can assist athletes with basic mobility exercises, like walking short distances. They should avoid starting any physical therapy or strength training exercises during the first week. The goal is to monitor the athlete’s condition and ensure they are not pushing themselves too hard, too soon.
Week 2: Increasing Mobility and Starting Core Exercises
As the athlete enters the second week of recovery, they will likely notice a reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility. That is the time when athletes can begin incorporating light core exercises and stretches. Core stability is crucial for spinal support, and early engagement of the core muscles helps prevent weakness that may interfere with recovery.
Functional Milestones:
- Increased Walking – Athletes can begin walking for longer periods, up to 20-30 minutes a day. This light activity helps maintain circulation and encourages the body to heal.
- Core Engagement Exercises – Gentle exercises like pelvic tilts, abdominal contractions and leg lifts help engage the core muscles without stressing the spine.
- Gentle Stretching – Light stretches can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Focus on gentle movements that avoid straining the lower back or spine.
Expectations for Trainers:
Trainers should guide athletes through light core exercises and monitor their range of motion. Flexibility exercises should be low intensity and designed to enhance recovery, without overloading the spine. Trainers need to pay close attention to how the athlete feels during and after each exercise.
Week 3: Reintroducing Cardio and Lower Body Strengthening
By the third week, athletes are usually able to engage in light cardiovascular exercises. These exercises can include activities like stationary cycling or walking on a treadmill at a moderate pace. This period marks the beginning of rebuilding the athlete’s cardiovascular endurance, while still maintaining a low intensity.
Functional Milestones:
- Cardiovascular Exercise – Low-impact cardiovascular exercises like walking or using a stationary bike help build endurance, without stressing the spine. Intensity should be kept low, and the exercises should not cause any discomfort.
- Strengthening the Core and Lower Body – Strengthening exercises like squats, lunges and bridges can be introduced to start rebuilding strength in the legs and core. These exercises should be performed using body weight or light resistance bands to avoid excessive strain.
- Posture Awareness – Athletes should begin focusing on maintaining good posture throughout the day, which is vital for spinal health.
Expectations for Trainers:
Trainers can begin introducing low-impact cardio workouts to help improve cardiovascular health and endurance. Core and lower body strengthening exercises should focus on form and technique to ensure they’re performed safely. Trainers should monitor the athlete’s response to each activity and adjust the intensity as needed.
Week 4: Increasing Strength Training and Sport-Specific Movements
By the fourth week, athletes are generally able to begin more sport-specific movements and progress to higher-intensity workouts. Though high-impact movements should still be avoided, athletes may begin practicing drills and exercises that replicate their sport’s movements at a low intensity.
Functional Milestones:
- Sport-Specific Drills: Low-intensity drills can be introduced, such as a soccer player performing light dribbling or a basketball player working on their footwork. These drills mimic sport movements and help prepare athletes for a full return to activity.
- Strength Training: Strength training can be progressed to moderate intensity with the introduction of light weights or resistance exercises. Focus should be on engaging the core and legs, while avoiding heavy lifting or strain on the spine.
- Flexibility Training: Continued stretching and mobility work are essential for maintaining flexibility and preventing tightness in the muscles supporting the spine.
Expectations for Trainers:
Trainers should start implementing sport-specific drills that replicate movements in their respective sports, but avoid high-intensity activity. They can also introduce resistance training that gradually increases in intensity. Trainers should monitor the athlete’s recovery, ensuring they are progressing safely and not overexerting themselves.
Weeks 5 and 6: Full-Intensity Training and Sport-Specific Conditioning
By weeks five and six, athletes are typically ready to return to full-intensity training and conditioning. Depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress, athletes can begin more intense training sessions that closely mimic their sport. It includes full-speed drills, moderate strength training and higher levels of cardiovascular conditioning.
Functional Milestones:
- Higher-Intensity Sport-Specific Training – Athletes can engage in full-speed drills that simulate game-like conditions. However, they should avoid high-impact activities like jumping and contact sports, until they are fully cleared.
- Strength Training – Full-intensity strength training can be resumed, but athletes should focus on gradual progression to avoid injury. Weightlifting and resistance training can now be incorporated into the daily routine.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning – Although the intensity of cardiovascular exercise can be increased, athletes should continue to avoid high-impact activities until they have fully healed.
Expectations for Trainers:
Trainers should help athletes reintroduce sport-specific drills and exercises, while monitoring form and technique. They should guide athletes through strength training and cardiovascular conditioning, ensuring that intensity is gradually increased to avoid injury.
Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Athletic Recovery
Minimally invasive spine surgery has become a vital tool for athletes recovering from spinal injuries. By reducing the trauma to the body and speeding up the healing process, MIS allows athletes to return to their sports more quickly, while minimizing the risks associated with traditional open surgery. The smaller incisions and reduced muscle dissection involved in MIS procedures lead to faster recovery times and fewer complications, which is essential for athletes looking to get back to competition.
Dr. Larry Davidson has been instrumental in refining minimally invasive techniques that emphasize precision and minimize disruption to surrounding tissues. His innovative approach has enabled athletes to experience quicker recovery, enabling them to return to their routines faster and with a reduced risk of complications.
