GT Physical Therapy • Pascagoula, MS
Low Back Pain Wellness Program
Independent Core & Mobility Maintenance Protocol
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Chronic Low Back Pain
3x / Week
~35–45 min
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Monday
Tuesday — Rest
Wednesday
Thursday — Rest
Friday
Sat/Sun — Rest
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Program Goals

Keep your back strong and mobile between visits. Consistent core control and hip mobility are what keep flare-ups away — hurt does not equal harm. Motion is lotion.

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Pain rule: Mild discomfort (2–3/10) during exercise is normal and expected. Stop if pain exceeds 5/10 or lingers more than 30 minutes after. When in doubt, call us: (228) 471-5047

Warm-Up
Mobility & Activation
~8 min
1
Cat Cows
2 × 10 reps
Gentle segmental spine motion — wakes up the whole spine
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2
Worlds Greatest Stretch
5 reps each side
Opens hips, thoracic spine, and hamstrings in one movement
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3
Lower Trunk Rotations
2 × 10 reps each side
Restores rotational mobility without loading the spine
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Block 1
Core Control & Stability
~15 min

This is the foundation — a spine that controls its own position under load is a spine that stays out of pain.

1
Deadbugs
3 × 10 reps each side
Trains core bracing without spine movement — the safest starting strength drill
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2
Birdogs
3 × 10 reps each side
Anti-rotation control — builds the stability that protects lifting mechanics
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3
Standard Planks
3 × 30–45 sec hold
Progress hold time before adding load
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4
Side Planks
3 × 20–30 sec each side
Trains the lateral core chain — often the missing piece in LBP programs
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Block 2
Hip & Glute Strength
~15 min

Strong glutes take load off the low back during walking, lifting, and standing from a chair.

1
Glute Bridges
3 × 15 reps
Builds posterior chain strength that offloads the lumbar spine
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2
Single Leg Glute Bridges
3 × 10 reps each side
Progression once double-leg bridges feel easy
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3
DB RDLs
3 × 10 reps — hip hinge pattern, light load
Trains the hip hinge — the pattern that protects your back when lifting
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Cool-Down
Mobility & Recovery
~8 min
1
Pigeon Stretch
60 sec hold each side
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2
Kneeling Hip Adductor Stretch
60 sec hold each side
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3
Side Lying Open Books
8 reps each side
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📋 Important Guidelines