Any physical therapist out there??

[MiniGun]

I was recently in a MVA, I fractured my c7. I also incurred a small fracture in one place in my lumbar, I also busted a blood vessel on my spine and pinched nerves in my neck after a cervical infusion surgery, i currently have to wear a c- collar for at least three weeks, i was wondering if anyone could give me advice on some physical therapy i can do at home, because i lack the insurance to go to a sports rehab, and also how long before i can weight train, or if i should even to any type if exercises while still in the c- collar i still have staples in my back from surgery i was in otherwise excellent shape the doc's said thats why my injuries weren't significantly worse. I'm anxious to get active again WHAT DO I DO! Please help!

 

[KimChee]

This is one of those times you do not want to skimp on the therapy as you will have long lasting effects on your body, and you need to have a PT supervise your treatment and recovery. You are conservatively looking at a 6-12 month recovery time. I'm not going to say anything else, as I want to encourage you to seek therapy, but in general expect to wear your collar for 8-12 weeks. You won't be moving your neck for a long time, you will probably begin therapy in about a month, your neck will still be immobilized. These are guestimate time frames based on what I've seen personally, of course listen to your Orthopedic Doctor.

Forget about lifting for a while, concentrate on getting healthy first. If I understand correctly you had surgery on your thoracic/lumbar spine? No BLT, bending, lifting, twisting, same goes for the neck..your orthodoc should have reviewed this with you...don't know if you are getting a back brace it depends on the doctor..some people need the tactile cueing to help them stay compliant with the movements they are supposed to avoid.

For at least 3 months..wear your brace. Do exactly what your surgeon and PT says. This is probably not what you wanted to hear, but this is a process, there are no shortcuts..I wish you the best of luck with your recovery.