Hi Checker, when Sean gets home from work today, I will ask what the most important ones are. Do you have anyone that can massage your neck?
What level fusions do you have done? Sean will need to know that. I am here for you. ginnie

Hi Ginnie---you such a good person . I was thinking about Gator have you heard from him I havent seen him post in awhile --I was wondering if he ever had surgery on the shoulder?

I can get someone to massage my neck, but I will be doing most of the PT. I had surgery to my C5/6,I take it that is a one level. I do not have a bone stimulator. I saw my surgeon for the first time in December, he just asked how I was doing. I told him I was battling the quitting smoking. I have an appointment in June to probably see how it has fused and probably go from there. Its been almost 4 months since my Sept.29, 2012 surgery. I have managed to quit smoking since Jan.2 with no relapse. I feel really good with issues sleeping, but since before my surgery, I cannot complain. Yes, I am experiencing some pain, but i am hoping its part of the long term affect I will experience and will subside with some PT, heat, ice. I also have a Tense machine I have yet to use after my surgery. Thank you!!

Still let me know where and what levels are fused OK? This makes a difference in PT on what they ask you to do. Do you have a fairly long bungee cord? That massage after you do PT is maybe the best thing that helped me. It relaxes the muscles you are trying to strenghten, so you don't have spasms. Also helps with soreness.
From either side of the neck, with lotion, it is a smooth downward motion, on either side of your fusion, extending into the back, or down along the top of your shoulder. Repete Often!!!! No need for hard pressure either. Will find out more after work. ginnie

C5/6 are fused,and yes I have a long bungee cord. Thank you!!

Hi checker, the bungee cord, takes the place of a thick rubber band they use in therapy. Holding it between your hands, you pull it apart, to create a tension and release it. Do several repetitions. This increases your strength in your neck! You can also step on it, and pull up, with both the right hand and the left hand. Several repetitions in each hand. Try it and let me know how it feels. Attach it securly to some object, and pull the cord toward you. These all help strengthen, and get your muscles to work gently. None of it is rough, and it should not hurt.
The general rule of thumb is, if it hurts don't do it.
Will let you know more tonight. ginnie

This one was done to me, lay flat( on your back), with small rolled towel just to support neck. In therapy there was actually a small hole in the table. Gently turn head to the right 5 times, the left five times. repete. I think I did that several times. What this does is help the range of motion. Each day you add a few more. Just doing these, and if you can follow by some gentle massage, heat etc, should help you. (not Hot) luke warm OK? Check with your doctor about the tens unit. He might say its a good idea. I had this done in therapy, but I didn't do it at home. Neck looking up and down the same way can be done too. A cushion underneath your knees is essential. let me know how you continue to do. Go easy on yourself in recovery. ginnie

No worried about gator too. ginnie