Phase 2: SUB-ACUTE PHASE
Goals
Progressive increase in activity level and distance walking Begin to improve spinal and low extremity flexibility Begin to strengthen areas of weakness
Begin abdominal and pelvic stabilization exercises
Recommended Exercises
Range of Motion and Flexibility
Active ROM of the spine and extremities Lower extremity stretches
Strengthing
Initiation of core stabilization exercise progressions incorporating activation of transverses abdominus and multifidi coordinated with hip musculature
• Quadruped (bird dog) progression
• Bridge progression
• Side plank (gluteus medius) progression
• Prone plank or hooklying abdominal progression
Light hip and lower extremity strengthening
Guidelines
Walk daily and stay as active as possible
Perform stretches daily
Perform stabilization exercises daily
Perform lower extremity strengthening 3 times per week Begin functional movements such as squatting and bending
Phase 3: REHABILITATION PHASE Goals
Aerobic conditioning
Restore spinal and lower extremity flexibility
Restore spinal and lower extremity muscular strength
Continue stabilization exercises progression
Perform functional lifting, bending and reaching activities with light resistance
Recommended Exercises
Range of Motion and Flexibility Spinal stretches
Lower extremity stretches Cardio
Walking, jogging, elliptical, swimming, etc