Efficacy of hydrotherapy versus land exercises for post-operative lumbar spine

Abstract

Background: Significant pathology in low back pain patients warrants surgical intervention such as discectomy and minimal invasive spine surgery that includes transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Effective early post-operative physiotherapy management enables better functional outcomes and early return to work but this is often limited by patient's tolerance to axial loading. Therapeutic exercises in water reduce the axial spinal load facilitating early mobilisation especially in post-operative spinal care compared to land based exercises. Studies have shown positive effects of hydrotherapy in reducing pain, improving function, increasing muscle strength and early return to work in chronic low back pain patients. However, no such study has investigated the effects of hydrotherapy in postoperative spinal patients.