Spondylolisthesis Physiotherapy in Indirapuram

Two very different causes

In young athletes, particularly cricketers, gymnasts and fast bowlers, the usual cause is a stress fracture in a small bony bridge at the back of the vertebra. It comes from repeated arching and twisting. The slip, if it happens, tends to occur in adolescence.

In adults over 50, especially women, the more common type is degenerative. Worn facet joints and a thinning disc let the vertebra drift forward, most often at L4 on L5. This type frequently comes with spinal stenosis.

Slips are graded by how far the vertebra has moved. Grades one and two account for most cases and are generally managed without surgery.

What it feels like

Back pain that's worse with standing, walking and arching backward is typical. Some people describe a feeling that the back might give way. Tight hamstrings are common, the body's way of guarding the area. If a nerve is compressed, pain or tingling can travel into the leg.

The treatment approach

Early on we reduce extension-heavy activity and find comfortable positions. The main work is building trunk control: exercises that teach the deep abdominal and back muscles to hold the segment steady while the hips and legs move. We then progress to loaded functional exercise, because the spine needs to cope with lifting and carrying, not just lying on a mat.

For young athletes, return to sport is graded and technique is reviewed. A bowling action with excessive counter-rotation, for instance, may need coaching input alongside rehab.

When to get a surgical opinion

Progressive leg weakness, bladder or bowel changes, a slip that is increasing on repeat imaging, or disabling pain that doesn't improve after several months of consistent care are the usual reasons. Physiotherapy remains useful before and after fusion surgery.

Exercises often used for Spondylolisthesis

These are exercises our physiotherapists commonly include. Which ones suit you, how many and in what order depends on your assessment and stage of recovery.

All back and spine exercises

Frequently asked questions