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Spine Rehabilitation
Corey Klein, PT, works with spine patients at every stage: preparing for spine surgery, recovering from one, living with pain that hasn’t settled, or trying to avoid surgery altogether. All of it happens one-on-one, in your home.
Tried physical therapy before?
Many spine patients have. More time, a thorough evaluation and one-on-one attention can make a real difference, especially for complex cases that don’t respond to a one-size-fits-all program.
Before spine surgery
Going into surgery stronger and better prepared can make the first weeks of recovery less overwhelming. Prehab, short for pre-surgical rehabilitation, focuses on building strength and endurance, improving mobility where it's safe to, and practicing the movements you'll need afterward.That includes things like rolling and getting out of bed without twisting, getting on and off the toilet, and managing stairs. We'll also walk through your home and plan for anything that could get in the way, from a low couch to a bathroom without grab bars.
After spine surgery
Corey works with people recovering from lumbar, cervical and thoracic fusions, discectomies, laminectomies and other spine procedures, including multi-level and repeat surgeries. Treatment always follows your surgeon's guidelines and restrictions.
What recovery typically involves
1
Protecting the surgery
Safe movement, managing pain and swelling, walking and following your surgeon's precautions.
2
Restoring movement
Gradually improving mobility and building the deep muscles that support your spine.
3
Building strength and endurance
Progressing toward the everyday demands of your life: lifting, bending, sitting and standing for longer.
4
Returning to activity
Working toward work, hobbies and sports, with a plan to keep you well afterward.
Recovery timelines vary widely. A single-level discectomy and a multi-level fusion are very different journeys, and your surgeon’s plan sets the pace. Being at home during the early weeks means you don’t have to ride in a car or navigate a parking lot while you’re healing.
When pain continues after surgery
Sometimes surgery doesn’t fully resolve the pain, or new problems show up months or years later. You might hear it called post-laminectomy syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome, or you might just know that you’re still hurting. These are some of the patients Corey most wants to help.
Treatment starts with a careful look at how you move, what aggravates your pain, how you sleep and what you’ve already tried. From there, the plan often combines gentle hands-on treatment, graded exercise that rebuilds tolerance without flaring you up, and education about pain itself. The goal is to help you do more of what matters to you, with more confidence and less fear of setbacks.
Hoping to avoid surgery
If you’ve been told surgery is an option but want to explore other paths first, physical therapy is often a reasonable place to start. Many disc and nerve problems improve with the right movement, strengthening and time.
You’ll get an honest assessment of how you’re responding, and Corey will work closely with your physician so you can make an informed decision. If surgery does become the right choice, the work you’ve done becomes your prehab.
Getting back to what you love
Recovery isn’t only about less pain. It’s about returning to golf, tennis, running, lifting grandkids or a long day of yard work. Once you’re ready, we work toward the specific activities that matter to you and build a plan to keep your spine healthy long term.
What treatment may include
Thorough evaluation. Movement, strength, nerve function and your history, not just the MRI.
Hands-on treatment. Manual therapy techniques to ease pain and restore motion.
Dry needling. For muscle tension and pain when appropriate. Learn more →
Targeted exercise. Progressive strength and stability work matched to your stage of recovery.
Education. Understanding your spine, pacing activity and moving with confidence.
Working with your surgeon
Corey coordinates with your surgeon or physician, follows their protocols and keeps them updated on your progress. If something doesn’t look right, he’ll let them know.
Looking for a specific diagnosis?
Sciatica, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis and other back, neck and spine conditions are covered in more depth here.
Common questions about spine rehab
How soon after spine surgery can I start physical therapy?
It depends on your procedure and your surgeon. Some surgeons want patients walking and moving right away; others wait several weeks before formal therapy. We follow their timeline.
Is it safe to do physical therapy at home after a fusion?
Yes, when it follows your surgeon’s precautions. Home is often the easiest place to start, since you don’t need to travel while you’re healing.
I've had more than one spine surgery. Can you still help?
Very often, yes. Complex and repeat surgery cases are welcome. Start with a free phone consult to talk through your history.
Do I need a referral?
For many patients, no. After surgery, we’ll coordinate with your surgeon either way. See the FAQ for details.