Weeks 0-6:
Precautions:
- NO bending or twisting
- Wear brace when out of bed
- Log roll
- No sitting for >15 min
- Lifting limited per M.D.
Exercises:
- Walk with assistive device 2-3 times a day and progress distances
- Patient education:
- Hip dominated movements
- Neutral spine movements
- Posture
- Abdominal bracing
- Modalities as needed
Weeks 6-12:
Precautions:
- Minimal back movements, limited FB and rotation on LB
- May be out of corset per M.D.
Exercises:
- Lumbar stabilization exercises
- Stretching:
- Hamstrings
- Quads
- Calves
- Hip flexors- allows in prone if preferred
- Piriformis
- Back- SKTC, DKTC
- Hooklying heel slides
- Mini forward lunges
- Mini squats
- Body mechanics when lifting
Months 3-6:
Precautions:
- Back movement only in painfree range
- Lifting restrictions per M.D.
Exercises:
- Physioball exercises
- Add SB and ROT when stabilization is controlled
- Multidirectional exercises
- Resistance training
- Start functional training to progress back to work/sport
Months 6+:
- No endrange back movements
- Resume all activities
Click here to download: Lumbar Fusion Protocol
