Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Rehabilitation Protocols

4 Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis rehabilitation protocols from 3 institutions, published 2022–2025. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Massachusetts General Hospital — Spondylolysis /…	N/A	Cessation of athletic activity recommended >=3 months; AVOID lumbar extension (Phase I-III); bracing per…
Massachusetts General Hospital — Spinal Instability /…	WBAT; bracing may be recommended Phase I; avoid lumbar extension with all activity Phase I	AVOID lumbar extension with activity, positioning, manual therapy, and exercise Phase I (critical — pars…
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…