Lumbar Microdiscectomy Rehabilitation Protocols

4 Lumbar Microdiscectomy rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions, published 2019–2023. 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…
Axis Spine Center — / Discectomy	WBAT from POD 1; walking 1-2x/day starting at 10 min, progressing to 20 min	Lifting <15 lbs x 2 wks; no BLTs (bending/twisting) initially; no submerging incision; no lotion on incision…
Brigham and Women's Hospital — Post-Operative Spine Surgery…	Per surgeon/operative note; assess inpatient from POD 1; early mobility emphasis	Brace if ordered — HOB <30 deg until brace received; log roll for transfers; drain monitoring (Jackson Pratt…
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — / Discectomy	WBAT from POD 1; no formal WB restrictions; walking goal 30 min 2x/day Phase 1	No NSAIDs (per surgeon); no driving while on narcotics; no scar mobilization x 3 months; no brace; no BLTs…