Lumbar Microdiscectomy — Lumbar Discectomy

Advanced Health and Sports Medicine Physiotherapy (AHSMP) · AHSMP Clinical Team (Sydney, Australia)

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; gentle walking <10 min Phase 1; progress to 20 min by wk 4

Key Restrictions

No spinal bending/twisting x 2 wks; no lifting x 2 wks; log roll to get out of bed; avoid prolonged positions; avoid hamstring stretch if ongoing sciatic nerve irritation; small ROM spinal movements only wks 2-4; lifting max 10% BW wks 2-4, 15% BW wks 4-6

Timeline & Phases

6+ phases (weekly): wks 1-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-12, 12+; PT 1-2x/wk throughout

Notes

International protocol (Australia); real-time ultrasound for TA/pelvic floor activation wks 1-2; Pilates reformer integrated from Phase 2; hydrotherapy optional; manual therapy for hip and thoracic mobility; low-grade manual therapy to lumbar segments adjacent to operated levels (avoid op site); criterion-based progression each phase; 2023

Surgeon / Author

AHSMP Clinical Team (Sydney, Australia)

Published

May 2023