Immediate physical therapy improves outcomes for adolescent athletes with active lumbar spondylolysis: a multicentre randomised trial (bjsm.bmj.com)

• Immediate PT led to faster return to sport (8.6 vs 14.3 weeks) in adolescent spondylolysis.
• No difference in radiographic healing between immediate PT and standard care groups.
• Early active rehabilitation is safe and superior to prolonged rest/bracing in this population.

"A multicentre randomised trial (n=60) compared immediate physical therapy (PT) versus standard care (rest/bracing) for adolescent athletes with acute lumbar spondylolysis. The immediate PT group returned to sports significantly faster (mean 8.6 vs 14.3 weeks) and had better functional outcomes at 12 weeks. No difference in radiographic healing. Authors recommend early referral for PT."