Clinical Reference Only: Protocols are cataloged from third-party sources and provided for reference only. Treating clinicians must verify current accuracy and follow the operative report and surgeon's specific instructions.

Non-Operative Rehabilitation Protocols

2 Non-Operative rehabilitation protocols from 2 institutions, published 2022. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

InstitutionWeight-BearingKey Restrictions
Sanford Health — Lumbar Spondylolysis / Spondylolisthesis… WBAT; avoid spinal loading and impact activities early; bracing reserved for patients… Avoid lumbar extension, spinal loading, and impact activities early; limit lumbar extension ROM and…
UW Health Sports Medicine — Lumbar Spondylolysis /… Full WB; no sports/impact 4-8 weeks; impact loading Phase 4+ Acute: 4-8 weeks complete rest/no sports participation, no active or passive lumbar extension Phases 1-2…

All 2 Non-Operative protocols

Non-Operative — Lumbar Spondylolysis / Spondylolisthesis (Non-Operative)
Sanford Health
02/2024
Non-Operative — Lumbar Spondylolysis / Spondylolisthesis (Acute & Chronic Non-Operative)
UW Health Sports Medicine
Julie Sherry, DPT, MS; Marc Sherry, DPT, LAT, CSCS; Scott Tauferner…

Related Spine topics

Cervical ACDF Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Lumbar Laminectomy Lumbar Microdiscectomy Lumbar Spinal Fusion