*BRAND NEW*

Post-Operative Lumbar Spine Rehab: Assessment, Mobilization, and Return-to-Function Protocols

This intensive 2-day seminar is designed for physical therapists who want to elevate their clinical skillset in the assessment and treatment of post-operative lumbar spine patients. Whether you’re working with patients recovering from discectomies, laminectomies, fusions, or complex spinal reconstructions, this course delivers a practical, research-informed framework for guiding patients safely and confidently from the post-surgical phase back to full function.

 

Through a blend of lecture and hands-on lab, participants will learn how to identify red flags, recognize common post-op complications, and adapt interventions across various stages of healing. Special focus will be given to nerve mobilization, restoring mobility, core control, neuromuscular coordination, and return-to-work or sport readiness—while also addressing pain science, fear-avoidance behavior, and patient-specific goal setting.

Dates and Locations

Friday – Saturday

October 10-11, 2025

2 days, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Excelsior Orthopaedics

3925 Sheridan Drive
Amherst, NY 14226

Approved for 16 CEUs in many states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Patrick Hoban

$650.00 incl. Tax

At the completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Correctly and independently perform 4-6 peri-lumbar MET mobilization techniques appropriate for post-operative patients, including graded mobilizations and directional preferences.
  • Correctly demonstrate palpation, use of functional testing techniques, and application of manual myofascial releases for the lumbar spine, hips, and thoracolumbar fascia as they relate to post-surgical compensatory patterns.
  • Quickly correlate multiple positive findings—such as altered neurodynamic responses, directional movement biases, and segmental hypomobility—to create an effective and individualized post-operative assessment.
  • Accurately perform and cue sciatic, femoral, and obturator nerve gliding techniques and describe their appropriate use in post-operative lumbar spine rehabilitation.
  • Appropriately design and progress early- to late-phase core stabilization programs with specific integration of lumbar protection, neural mobility, and movement control strategies.
  • Effectively educate and empower patients through pain neuroscience principles and demonstrate communication strategies to reduce fear-avoidance and improve compliance in post-surgical care.
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At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

  • Correctly and independently perform 4-6 peri-lumbar MET mobilization techniques appropriate for post-operative patients, including graded mobilizations and directional preferences.
  • Correctly demonstrate palpation, use of functional testing techniques, and application of manual myofascial releases for the lumbar spine, hips, and thoracolumbar fascia as they relate to post-surgical compensatory patterns.
  • Quickly correlate multiple positive findings—such as altered neurodynamic responses, directional movement biases, and segmental hypomobility—to create an effective and individualized post-operative assessment.
  • Accurately perform and cue sciatic, femoral, and obturator nerve gliding techniques and describe their appropriate use in post-operative lumbar spine rehabilitation.
  • Appropriately design and progress early- to late-phase core stabilization programs with specific integration of lumbar protection, neural mobility, and movement control strategies.
  • Effectively educate and empower patients through pain neuroscience principles and demonstrate communication strategies to reduce fear-avoidance and improve compliance in post-surgical care.

Day 1 (Friday)


7:30am

Doors Open

8:00am

Welcome, objectives, and overview of post-op rehab trends and outcome challenges

8:30am

Understanding spinal surgery: Types, healing timelines, and red flags

9:30am

Post-operative assessment framework

10:45am

Introduction to neurodynamics in post-op spine rehab

12:00pm

Lunch

1:00pm

Early mobility techniques

  • Gentle myofascial and joint mobilization, along with positional release
  • Diaphragmatic breathing, rib mobilization, pelvic positioning

 

2:30pm

Nerve Gliding Lab Part 1: Sciatic and Tibial Nerve

3:45pm

Core engagement and stabilization drills (Phase 1)

5:00pm

Adjourn

Day 2 (Saturday)


7:30am

Doors Open

8:00am

Movement-based assessment

9:00am

Return to work, sport, and life: Building a graded pathway

10:15am

Nerve Gliding Lab Part 2: Femoral and Obturator Nerves

11:00am

Coaching patients through setbacks and pain behaviors

12:00pm

Lunch

1:00pm

Advanced core and movement progressions (Phase 2-3)

2:00pm

Functional nerve glides and integration

3:15pm

Manual therapy for functional mobility gains

4:00pm

Final case labs and treatment planning

5:00pm

Adjourn

Approved for 16 hours for PTs and PTAs: AL, AR, CO, CT, IL, IA, MT, NE, NH, NY, OK, UT, WA

MORE STATE APPROVALS COMING SOON! If you do not see your state listed above, please contact us at info@glseminars.com for more information.

Click here for the state and discipline approval list for all courses.

Course Instructor

Patrick Hoban

PT, MS, ATC, FF-CIMT

Patrick has been a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer since 1994. He graduated from Grand Valley State University and started Great Lakes Seminars in 1996. He has created the manual therapy courses for Great Lakes Seminars and has trained the instructors to ensure high-quality courses and effective, consistent delivery. He has also taught manual therapy courses around the country for 20 years, has taught in PT and PTA programs since 1994, was the head athletic trainer at a high school for 5 years, and he has performed both independent medical exams and peer reviews for Physical Therapy. He has an eclectic background in biomechanics, anatomy, and manual therapy.

Synthesis PT Certification Course Instructor Headshot

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