Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. This can cause lower back pain, nerve irritation, and even difficulty with movement if left untreated. At After Hours Physio, we offer expert diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and tailored rehabilitation to help patients recover from spondylolisthesis — whether it’s caused by sport, aging, or injury.

🔍 What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra shifts out of its normal alignment, usually in the lumbar spine (lower back). The degree of the slippage and the underlying cause will determine the severity of symptoms and the best course of treatment.

📊 Grading of Spondylolisthesis:

• Grade I: 0–25% slippage
• Grade II: 26–50%
• Grade III: 51–75%
• Grade IV: 76–100%
• Grade V (Spondyloptosis): Complete slippage

🧠 Types of Spondylolisthesis

Understanding the different types helps guide both diagnosis and treatment:

1. Congenital (Dysplastic): Present at birth due to abnormal vertebral development.
2. Isthmic: Caused by a stress fracture in a part of the vertebra called the pars interarticularis. Common in young athletes.
3. Degenerative: Age-related changes in the spine due to arthritis or disc wear. Common in older adults.
4. Traumatic: Caused by a sudden injury.
5. Pathological: Due to bone weakness from conditions like tumors or infections.
6. Post-Surgical: Occurs after spinal surgery in rare cases.

⚠️ Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

Not all patients experience symptoms, but when they do, they may include:

• Lower back pain, often worsened by standing or arching the back
• Tight hamstrings
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs
• Sciatica-like symptoms
• Weakness in the legs
• In severe cases: changes in walking, balance issues, or loss of bowel/bladder control (urgent medical attention required)

🧭 Should You Be Concerned?

If you’ve been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, your level of concern should depend on:

• The grade of slippage
• Whether you’re experiencing neurological symptoms
• Your age and activity level
• How well you’re responding to conservative treatment

👉 Good news: Most cases — especially Grades I–II — are managed successfully without surgery through physiotherapy and lifestyle modification.

🏥 How is Spondylolisthesis Treated?

✅ Conservative Treatment (First Line):

• Physiotherapy: Core strengthening, movement retraining, and spinal stabilization
• Activity modification: Avoiding hyperextension, heavy lifting
• Medication: Pain relief with anti-inflammatories (if needed)
• Bracing: Occasionally used in younger patients or during flare-ups

❗ When is Surgery Needed?

• Severe slippage (Grade III+)
• Progressive neurological symptoms
• Failure to improve after several months of physiotherapy
• Significant instability on imaging

Surgical options may include spinal fusion or decompression surgery, but this is typically a last resort.

🏋️‍♂️ Spondylolisthesis in Athletes: Causes & Return-to-Sport Guide

Athletes, especially adolescents, are at higher risk for isthmic spondylolisthesis due to repetitive spinal extension and rotational forces.

Sports Most Commonly Linked to Spondylolisthesis:

• Gymnastics
• Weightlifting
• Cheerleading
• Cricket (especially fast bowlers)
• Wrestling
• Diving
• Football/Rugby
• Martial Arts
• Tennis and Ballet

Why?

• Repetitive stress can cause small cracks in the vertebra (spondylolysis)
• Over time, this can lead to slippage (spondylolisthesis)
• During growth spurts, the spine is more vulnerable to injury

🛡️ Prevention Strategies for Active Individuals

At [Your Clinic Name], we help prevent spinal injuries with:

• Core and glute strengthening to reduce spinal load
• Flexibility work for hamstrings and hip flexors
• Biomechanical coaching for sport-specific movements
• Load management and training modifications during growth phases

🔄 Return-to-Sport Rehab: Our 5-Phase Approach

We guide athletes through a safe and structured rehab plan:

🟡 Phase 1: Pain Management

• Rest from aggravating activity
• Gentle core activation (e.g., drawing-in, dead bugs)

🟡 Phase 2: Stability & Motor Control

• Core control with neutral spine (planks, bird-dogs, bridges)

🟡 Phase 3: Functional Strength

• Anti-rotation work, squats, lunges, and hip-focused exercises

🟢 Phase 4: Controlled Sport Integration

• Reintroduce skills under guidance
• Jumping, running, rotation drills with focus on technique

🟢 Phase 5: Full Return to Sport

• Symptom-free
• Normal strength and endurance
• Cleared by physiotherapist or sports doctor

📍 Expert Spondylolisthesis Physiotherapy in [Your City/Suburb]

At [Your Clinic Name], we specialize in helping individuals recover from spondylolisthesis, whether it’s related to sport, aging, or injury. Our team offers:

• One-on-one physiotherapy
• Sports injury rehabilitation
• Movement screening and performance programs

📞 Book Your Assessment Today

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, leg symptoms, or have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, don’t wait for it to worsen.

Contact us to:

• Book a comprehensive physio assessment
• Create a personalized treatment and rehab plan
• Safely return to your sport, work, or everyday activities

Get back to doing what you love — pain-free and confident.