Gentle Lumbar Mobility

Keeps the low back moving comfortably as it heals.

Gentle Lumbar Mobility exercise illustration

What it helps

Keeps the low back moving comfortably as it heals, so it stays supple rather than stiffening up.

How to do it

  1. On hands and knees, slowly round then gently arch your back (cat–camel) within a comfortable range.
  2. Or, lying down, let bent knees rock slowly a few inches side to side.
  3. Move smoothly and stay pain-free.

Tips

  • Small, comfortable ranges early on.
  • Stop short of any sharp pain.

Commonly done as 10 repetitions, 1–2 times a day.

Where this appears in recovery

Gentle Lumbar Mobility is part of 6 recovery programs, typically in the phase 2 and phase 1 stage. Each program shows how it fits alongside the other movements:

All exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education

These are general exercise guides, not a personal prescription. The repetitions and frequency shown are what's commonly used — your own surgeon or therapist may advise something different, and their guidance comes first.