Intermediate Lumbar Spine Tendon Repair Rehabilitation

Program Overview

This intermediate program is for people recovering from a lumbar spine tendon repair who have completed initial protected healing and are ready to build control, strength, and confidence with movement. Over four weeks you will work on lumbar stabilization, gentle joint mobility, nerve gliding, core control, and balance using a balance board and dip station. The goal is to move safely toward your normal activities, work duties, and functional goals while protecting the repair. Your physical therapist will guide and adjust the plan as you progress.

Before You Start

Only begin or continue this program under your clinician's supervision. Stop and call your clinician if the wound opens, drains, or pulls apart; if you suddenly cannot move or feel a leg normally; if pain keeps rising during or after exercise; if you have new or worsening numbness, weakness, or bladder or bowel changes; or if you feel unstable or the repair feels unsupported. Avoid heavy loading, twisting, or movements that strain the repair until your therapist confirms it is safe. Some range-of-motion limits must be checked before you progress.

Weekly Structure

The plan runs four weeks with five sessions per week, about twenty minutes each. Week one focuses on protection, pain control, and gentle activation. Week two adds controlled motion and muscle activation. Week three builds stabilization and strength. Week four integrates these skills into functional tasks and conditioning. Each week has checkpoints your therapist uses before you move to the next phase. You will use a balance board and dip station as your main equipment, with bodyweight and mat work.

What a Typical Session Looks Like

Warm up briefly with gentle breathing and easy lumbar and hip movements, then practice activating your deep abdominal muscles with feedback if available. The main work includes core stabilization such as deadbug, bird-dog, and the McGill big three; nerve gliding as prescribed; postural and proprioceptive drills; balance board work; and supported dip station exercises for the upper body and trunk. Cool down with gentle stretching and relaxed breathing. Keep movements controlled and pain-free.

Tracking Progress

Your therapist uses the progression criteria—such as pain levels, range of motion, nerve tension tests, and holding times—to decide when you are ready for the next phase. You do not need to meet every number on your own; these are clinical checkpoints. Outcome measures like the Oswestry Disability Index, numeric pain scale, Roland-Morris questionnaire, straight leg raise, prone knee bending, and SF-36 physical function help track change over time. Report how you feel so the plan can be adjusted.

Recovery and Self-Care

Expect some soreness, but stop if pain increases during exercise or does not settle with rest. Use short rest breaks, avoid prolonged sitting, and keep walking gently as tolerated. Do not push through sharp pain, new leg symptoms, or a feeling of instability. Watch for red flags such as fever, wound changes, new weakness or numbness, or bladder or bowel changes, and contact your clinician promptly. Ask before adding load or returning to work duties.