Lumbar Spinal Fusion Rehabilitation Protocols

4 Lumbar Spinal Fusion rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions, published 2019–2022. 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 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 lumbar spine 6 wks; avoid lumbar loading Phase II; avoid twisting/bending…
Axis Spine Center — Lumbar Fusion (PSIF / ALIF / LLIF / TLIF)	WBAT from POD 1; walking progression; driving at 2-4 wks when off narcotics and no leg…	No flexion or extension/rotation beyond neutral; no lifting >15 lbs x 12 wks; no impact activities x 12 wks…
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center	WBAT; brace or corset if required by surgeon	No excessive lifting/twisting/bending 0-6 wks; no prone extensions until wk 8; no standing ROM testing until…
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — TLIF /…	WBAT from POD 1; walking goal 30 min 2x/day Phase 1; no formal WB restrictions	No NSAIDs x 3-6 months per surgeon; NO BLTs x 12 weeks (no lifting >5-8 lbs x 3 months); no driving while on…