Lumbar Laminectomy Rehabilitation Protocols

4 Lumbar Laminectomy rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions, published 2021–2023. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Advanced Health and Sports Medicine Physiotherapy (AHSMP)…	WBAT; gentle walking <10 min Phase 1; progress to 20 min by wk 4	No spinal bending/twisting x 2 wks; no lifting x 2 wks; log roll to get out of bed; avoid prolonged…
Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (Houston Spine…	WBAT from POD 1; walking to 1/2 mile daily (15-30 min cardiovascular activity)	Avoid lifting/twisting/bending spine Phase I; avoid lumbar loading Phase II; avoid twisting/bending; limit…
Axis Spine Center — / Decompression	WBAT from POD 1; walking 10-15 min 1-2x/day Phase 1; driving when off narcotics and…	No lifting >15 lbs x initially; no extension/rotation beyond neutral initially; no sitting >30 min; brace for…
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — / Decompression	WBAT from POD 1; no formal WB restrictions; walking goal 30 min 2x/day Phase 1	No brace typically; no driving while on narcotics; no scar mobilization x 3 months; no BLTs >20 lbs x 3…