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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Starter Exercise Guide
A short starting program — 8 exercises drawn from the full 35-exercise program. These are the movements most people begin with.
Before you begin. This is general guidance, not a personal prescription. If your surgeon or therapist has given you a different program or different limits, follow theirs.
1. Knee-to-Chest Stretch
What it helps: A gentle stretch that eases tension across the hip and lower back and keeps the hip moving freely.
How often: hold 10–20s sets of 5 each side, daily.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.
- Bring one knee up and gently draw it toward your chest with your hands.
- Hold easily, then lower and switch sides.
- As it feels comfortable, draw both knees up together.
Tip: Keep it gentle — a comfortable stretch, never a strain.
2. Walking Program
What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.
How often: throughout the day.
- Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
- Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.
Tip: Use your assistive device as directed.
3. Diaphragmatic Breathing
What it helps: Calms the nervous system and gently engages your deep core — a relaxed, supported way to start any session.
How often: 5–10 breaths repetitions, several times a day.
- Lie on your back, knees bent, one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose so your belly rises while your chest stays still.
- Breathe out slowly through pursed lips, letting your belly fall.
Tip: Keep it relaxed — never force the breath.
4. Pelvic Tilts
What it helps: Gently keeps the hips and low back moving and re-engages the core, so the whole midsection stays supple and supportive rather than stiff.
How often: 10–15 repetitions, 1–2 times a day.
- Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat.
- Slowly flatten your low back into the floor by tilting your pelvis and tightening your stomach.
- Hold briefly, then relax back to neutral.
Tip: Move slowly within a comfortable range.
5. Gentle Lumbar Mobility
What it helps: Keeps the low back moving comfortably as it heals, so it stays supple rather than stiffening up.
How often: 10 repetitions, 1–2 times a day.
- On hands and knees, slowly round then gently arch your back (cat–camel) within a comfortable range.
- Or, lying down, let bent knees rock slowly a few inches side to side.
- Move smoothly and stay pain-free.
Tip: Small, comfortable ranges early on.
6. Abdominal Bracing
What it helps: Switches on the deep core muscles that stabilize and protect your spine through everyday movement — lifting, bending, twisting.
How often: hold 5–10s sets of 10, a few times a day.
- Lie on your back with knees bent.
- Gently tighten your stomach as if bracing for a light poke — do not suck in or hold your breath.
- Hold the light tension while breathing normally, then relax.
Tip: Aim for about 20% effort, not a maximal squeeze.
7. Hamstring Stretching
What it helps: Keeps the back of the thigh flexible so the knee and hip move freely and your stride stays easy.
How often: hold 20–30s sets of 2–3 reps, 1–2 times a day.
- Lie on your back and loop a towel around one foot.
- Gently straighten the knee toward the ceiling until you feel a light stretch.
- Hold, then relax.
Tip: Stretch to mild tension, not pain.
8. Hip Flexor Stretch
What it helps: Tight hip flexors tip your pelvis and pull your low back into an arch. Loosening them lets your back settle into a more open, comfortable position and takes strain off the spine.
How often: 2–3 each side sets of Hold 30 seconds, daily.
- Kneel on the leg you want to stretch, with the other foot planted in front (a half-kneeling lunge). Use a cushion under the knee.
- Gently tuck your tailbone under (a small posterior pelvic tilt) so your low back flattens slightly.
- Keeping tall and your core gently braced, ease your weight forward until you feel a comfortable stretch across the front of the kneeling hip.
- Hold, breathing easily — never push into back or leg pain. Switch sides.
Tip: The stretch should be felt at the front of the hip/thigh, not in the back.
See the complete 35-exercise program, phase by phase.
About Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
What the condition is, how it's usually managed, and what to expect — read the Lumbar Spinal Stenosis guide.
Recovery reading
Browse all exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education library
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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.