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Patient Resources
Recovery After Surgery
What recovery typically looks like after spinal surgery.
For information only — not medical advice. The content on this page is patient education to help you understand a condition or treatment. It is not a substitute for personalised assessment by a qualified clinician. Always consult your doctor or specialist about your own symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment decisions.
The first week
Walking is encouraged from day one. Short, frequent walks are better than long ones.
Avoid lifting more than a few kilograms.
You will be given specific advice on wound care and any restrictions.
Weeks two to six
Physiotherapy usually begins around two weeks.
Most patients return to office work within 1–3 weeks after endoscopic or microsurgical decompression.
Driving typically resumes within 1–2 weeks, once off strong analgesia.
Beyond six weeks
Gradual return to the gym and to non-contact sport.
Higher-impact and contact sports are typically reintroduced from 3 months onwards.
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Personalised, consultant-led advice
Every patient is different. The information on this page is a starting point — Mr Madi will tailor any plan to your specific imaging, symptoms and goals.