Lumbar Laminectomy — Post-Op Lumbar Laminectomy / Discectomy

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (Houston Spine Surgeon) · Dr. Jeffrey H. Oppenheimer MD

Weight-Bearing

WBAT from POD 1; walking to 1/2 mile daily (15-30 min cardiovascular activity)

Key Restrictions

Avoid lifting/twisting/bending spine Phase I; avoid lumbar loading Phase II; avoid twisting/bending; limit lumbar extension Phase II

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase I IPSP (0-6 wks, home HEP), Phase II OP PT (6-9 wks, 2-3x/wk), Phase III Advanced (9-12 wks, 2-3x/wk)

Notes

Phase II: multifidus/TA co-contraction with pressure biofeedback, neural mobilization; Phase III: advanced stabilization progressing to running by wk 10-12; FCE if appropriate; References: George Aaron MHS PT OCS MTC; Stuart McGill Phys Ther Vol 78:7 1998

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Jeffrey H. Oppenheimer MD