Follow-up visits let us check your wound, your nerves and your progress, and tell you when you can do more. This page explains when we usually see you, what happens at each visit and what to bring.
Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Last reviewed November 2026
At our spine clinic at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai, we plan your follow-up visits before you leave hospital. Your dates may differ from the ones below. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow those first.
When will I be seen after surgery?
Your first visit is at about 2 weeks. After that, these are the usual visits:
Visit | What happens |
2 weeks | Wound check. We remove stitches or staples if you have them. Your first physiotherapy visit is also at about 2 weeks |
About 6 weeks | We check your recovery and tell you what you can add. Your physiotherapist records your scores |
About 12 weeks | We check your progress, review X-rays after a fusion, and tell you when you can lift more |
About 6 months (fusion) | We check your X-rays and tell you about running, Pilates and yoga |
If your wound is slow to heal, we may ask you to come back again in a few days. If you live outside Mumbai, this is one reason we ask you to stay for 1 to 2 weeks before you travel home.
What happens at a visit?
One of our spine fellows may see you first, then Dr. Chaudhary. We will:
- Look at your wound
- Ask about your pain, painkillers, sleep, and your bladder and bowels
- Check the strength and feeling in your arms and legs
- Look at your X-rays, if you need them
- Tell you what you can do now, and answer your questions
What should I bring?
- Your discharge summary and all your medicines, or a list of them
- Your MRI, CT and X-ray films and CDs, and all your reports
- Your physiotherapy notes and score forms
- Any form your employer or insurer needs us to fill in
- A family member who can help, and your list of questions
What should I ask?
- When can I shower normally and swim?
- When can I take anti-inflammatory tablets, if I cannot take them now?
- When can I lift more than 10 lb (4.5 kg)? How much can I lift now?
- Do I need a belt or collar, and for how long?
- How long can I sit in a chair or car?
- When can I go back to work? Part-time or full-time? Are there any restrictions?
- When can I drive a car or ride a two-wheeler?
- When can I travel, and how?
- When can I go back to my sport, gym or leisure activities?
- When can I resume intimacy? Are there any precautions?
Can I have a follow-up by phone or video?
Some later visits may be possible by teleconsultation. Ask us whether it will do for you.
How do I book?
Book follow-up visits through our team by phone or WhatsApp on 8291420004 (9am to 5pm), or use Contact.
What if I have a problem before my visit?
Do not wait for your visit. See When to Call Us After Spine Surgery.
Other resources
Wound Care and Showering After Spine Surgery, Managing Pain at Home After Spine Surgery, Going Back to Work After Spine Surgery, Travel After Spine Surgery and In Hospital After Spine Surgery.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Please see a doctor for advice about your own symptoms.