Scoliosis Surgery Recovery at Home

Recommendations

Massage Chair

For many years I’ve had  a Sanyo massaging recliner (remember the one Sharper Image used to sell?) which makes all the difference in the world to someone suffering from back problems.

Really cool tip:

This chair is nearly perfect – just not quite.  It’s a little “harsh” – in that the rollers are narrow enough to HURT!  Now if I wanted BrrrruuunHilda to tenderize my back into a Main Course, this would free up some of her time.  OTOH, If I actually want some Relief…  a simple modification needs to be made.  The design of the chair back creates a narrow channel down the middle, where the rollers can torture your already-tormented spine. So here’s yer simple fix, Bubba – and not a stitch of duct tape needed.  I know…  I’m sure I could have figured out a place for some duct tape.  Perhaps in Rev. 2.

Here’s what you need:

• A nice, new, thick black (or navy blue will work) Towel – or the color of your favorite team (do NOT tell your wife that was my idea!)
• Fold it in half the long way, so you have a 54″ long by about 12″ wide towel now.
• Drape it from the top of the chair back all the way down the back, so it fills in the channel.
• Fasten it at the top so it doesn’t puddle up at the bottom right behind your back.
• This is where you could use that duct tape – but I prefer a blue 1″ spring clamp.

That’s it.  It’s completely adjustable from a straight up back to fully  horizontal, has leg massage (you will WANT this) and has lots of other settings that make it one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

And speaking of investments…

Did you know you can write this off?

Hell Yes you can!

Get your Doctor to write a prescription for one of these and two things happen:

1. You don’t pay State sales tax
2. You write off the purchase price on the entire chair

This applies to other massage chairs, of course – and there are only about a bazillion different varieties out there (lots that may need no mods at all), so do your research before making this big decision.  This particular chair was in the $3k range when we bought it, but…  We bought the floor demo and saved a grand.  Never be afraid to haggle.

Straight-Back Chairs

If you don’t have the budget for a recliner, you MUST have a dedicated  straight-back chair that’s COMFORTABLE for long periods of time.  Some dining room chairs with arms are pretty good for this.  Either appropriate one from your dining room – or invest in another for just this purpose.  Reducing stress during recovery is crucial.  All of the things you need to make you feel comfortable and speed your healing must always be where you need them and unoccupied by others.