Cervical ACDF — ACDF Post-Op

Axis Spine Center · Axis Spine Physical Therapy Team

Weight-Bearing

WBAT from POD 1; walking 2x/day starting at 10 min working to 20 min

Key Restrictions

1-level fusion: no brace; 2-level: brace 4-6 wks; 3+ levels: brace 6 wks per MD; no lifting >15 lbs x 4 wks; no passive cervical stretching; gentle AROM in pain-free range x 6 wks; no prolonged flexion >15 min (phones, tablets); avoid bending/twisting/pushing/pulling >15 lbs; no impact activities x 12 wks; notify surgeon for severe dysphagia, infection, worsening radicular symptoms

Timeline & Phases

2 phases: Phase 1 (0-2 wks, wound healing/home), Phase 2 (2-4 wks, OP strengthening); return-to-activity timeline: stationary bike wk 2, elliptical/hiking/Pilates wk 4, running/yoga/swimming wk 12, skiing/golf/soccer wk 16

Notes

Brace use by level clearly specified; chin tuck with laser pointer if available; scapular retraction from day 1; longitudinal towel roll supine; W-slides for shoulder mobility; workstation ergonomics handout in Phase 2; prone scapular strengthening; dysphagia monitoring emphasized; detailed return-to-activity timeline

Surgeon / Author

Axis Spine Physical Therapy Team

Published

August 2021