*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

No scheduled courses at this time. 

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

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.

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