If you need a sacrectomy, rehabilitation will depend on exactly what muscles and nerves have been affected and how the wound was closed.
Your medical and rehabilitation teams will talk to you about how this surgery may affect your everyday life.
What is a sacrectomy?
The sacrum is the triangular-shaped bone at the bottom of your spine which forms the back of your pelvis. A sacrectomy is the total or part removal of this bone.
Physiotherapy for sacrectomy
After your surgery, you’ll see a physiotherapist. This is usually the day after surgery. They will tell you when you can start getting out of bed. However, this will only be allowed when your doctors are happy with your wound healing.
They’ll teach you exercises to do and help you to start walking with crutches or another walking aid.
If you need to climb stairs regularly, your physiotherapist will teach you how to do this. You may still have some restrictions from the surgery though.
Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to do at home after discharge. It is very important that you do these regularly to make sure you get the best possible outcome after your sacrectomy. You will also be referred to ongoing physiotherapy as an outpatient as close as possible to where you live.
Occupational therapy for sacrectomy
You will see an occupational therapist (OT) while you’re recovering in hospital. They’ll help you by discussing how you’ll manage your activities and daily life after leaving hospital.
An OT can also help you by:
- showing you techniques to be more independent with daily tasks
- recommending equipment to help you at home
- giving you advice about returning to work or school
- helping you return to usual leisure activities.
You might be referred to other members of the rehabilitation team too. Speak to your physiotherapist, clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or specialist about other forms of rehabilitation you might benefit from.
Last reviewed June 2025
Next review due June 2028
