Recovering from ADR -- Ideas & Tricks

[Harrison]

There are lots of things ADR patients can to help their recovery. We�ve talked about many of them -- the subtle routines involve getting the proper nutrition, building a strong immunity system and trying to get recuperative sleep.

The more physical things involve exercise, physical therapy, massage, stretching and even chiropractic adjustments. It�s interesting to note that the only two times I hurt my back since I had ADR was from physical therapy!

That said, after almost two years of learning & sharing within this community, I recommend patients consider these recovery options:

- Frequent massage throughout the entire spine
- Monthly massage to reduce scar tissue in the surgical area
- Physical therapy at the patient�s discretion, but the later the better. E.g. weight training later in your recovery to boost trunk and core strength and stamina
- Stretching in a manner that�s appropriate, comfortable and initially defined by a licensed professional trained specifically in spine rehab

Some other options that may be appropriate for you include chiropractic manipulation. Some members here, like me, have found this to be very helpful. I believe chiros can help us considerably, with the caveat that finding the �right� one is almost as hard as finding a suitable spouse! As well, some chiros are reluctant to treat patients who have had ADR, as they may fear an unintended outcome. My chiro now treats me and we've seen remarkable results in my cervical & thoracic areas.

We�ve also talked about a simple but effective device to help you reach & massage trigger points. The Theracane is actually great pre or post-op and can apply concentrated pressure on almost any muscle knot you have. I highly recommend it for anyone.

I hope this helps some of you. But please remember, I am not a doctor or medical professional -- just an ADR patient. Caveat Emptor!

[Alastair]

A great posting Harrison!!!!! Its in the FAQ`s now
Best
Alastair

[rob_zzz]

Originally posted by Harrison:
[qb] Some other options that may be appropriate for you include chiropractic manipulation. Some members here, like me, have found this to be very helpful. I believe chiros can help us considerably, with the caveat that finding the �right� one is almost as hard as finding a suitable spouse! As well, some chiros are reluctant to treat patients who have had ADR, as they may fear an unintended outcome. My chiro now treats me and we've seen remarkable results in my cervical & thoracic areas.

We�ve also talked about a simple but effective device to help you reach & massage trigger points. The Theracane is actually great pre or post-op and can apply concentrated pressure on almost any muscle knot you have. I highly recommend it for anyone.

I hope this helps some of you. But please remember, I am not a doctor or medical professional -- just an ADR patient. Caveat Emptor! [/qb]

Harrison - I doubt it was your intention to give this impression, but surely chiropractic manipulation of an area that has had an ADR would be something that should be avoided until well after the surgery (i.e. at least 3 months afterwards). (I would have thought even then it would be potentially risky to have a chiropractic manipulation of a level with ADR)

[Harrison]

Rob, good point! Yes, any adjustments would be wisely considered well after the device is securely seated into the vertebral bodies, what some call osteointegration. Even then, direct manipulation of the device area may not be smart either?!

So what has helped all of you recover from ADR more comfortably?!