11. Why You Should See a Scoliosis PT Before Spinal Fusion Surgery

If you’re planning to have scoliosis surgery, you might assume physical therapy comes after the operation—but did you know you could also benefit from seeing one before?In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth explain why seeing a scoliosis-specific physical therapist prior to spinal fusion surgery can level up both the outcome of the surgery as well as your recovery afterward.While “prehab” is standard for many orthopedic surgeries like knee or hip replacements, it’s still rare in the scoliosis world. Listen in to learn why that needs to change—and how the right preparation can help patients feel more confident, informed, and prepared going into surgery.In this episode, we discuss:What “prehab” is and why it matters before spinal fusionWhy scoliosis PT is often overlooked prior to surgeryHow improving spinal flexibility can optimize surgical correctionWhen mobility and stretching are appropriate for scoliosisThe role of strength, endurance, and core training before surgeryHow breathing training supports rib mobility, lung health, and recoveryHow it feels when your spine is suddenly corrected—& how to prepare for itPractical pre-op education surgeons often don’t have time to coverNutrition tips, protein intake, hydration, & digestion prep (yes, even poop)Learning how to move safely: getting in/out of bed, chairs, and daily activitiesPlanning your home setup, stairs, and assistive equipment ahead of timeDr. Beth and Dr. Laura also share insights from their own clinical experience working with teens and adults preparing for spinal fusion, along with lessons learned from real post-op recoveries.If you’re facing scoliosis surgery—or supporting someone who is—this episode will help you understand how preparing your body and mind ahead of time can lead to a smoother, more confident recovery.Need Help Preparing for Surgery?Both Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally. Resources & next steps:If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: Dr. Laura's websiteDr. Beth’s website Join the conversation:Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifySupport the show