Herniated Disc Treatment Affton, MO | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs

Herniated Disc Treatment Affton, MO. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but healing is achievable with the appropriate treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in scientifically-backed treatments tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re suffering from slight pain or intense pain. Our dedicated physical therapy team in Affton, MO specializes in helping you heal non-surgically, using individualized plans created to alleviate discomfort, restore mobility, and get you back to the life you love.

Start managing your healing process and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO. Request an appointment through our website, give a call to the location nearest you, or visit any of our locations for a free injury screening.

About Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is a common injury affecting the spine, where the soft, gel-like center of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) bulges out from its outer layer, causing pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can result in a variety of symptoms, including severe back discomfort or neck pain, as well as pain extending to the arms or legs depending on the affected area of the spine. In advanced cases, it can result in weakness or numbness in the limbs, making daily tasks like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down challenging.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

Pain: Intense, spreading pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often spreading to the limbs (sciatica).
Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to nerve compression.
Muscle weakness: A reduction in muscle strength in the arms or legs is usually an indication of more serious nerve compression.

Risk factors and causes:

Age-related degeneration: As we age, our spinal discs naturally lose hydration, flexibility, and cushioning ability, making them more prone to injury.
Injury and improper lifting: A herniated disc can occur due to sudden injuries from sports or incorrect lifting of heavy objects.
Repetitive movements: Engaging in activities or jobs that require frequent bending, twisting, or heavy lifting makes you more susceptible to disc injuries.
Poor posture: Sitting or standing for long periods in poor postures puts additional strain on the spine.

Addressing the issue early on is vital. At Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to determine the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This enables us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition, helping you get on the path to recovery quickly and effectively.

Herniated Disc Treatment Greater Affton, MO | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs Near Affton

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Affton, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on non-surgical approaches to treating herniated discs in Affton, MO. Our objective is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and improve your quality of life, all while preventing the need for invasive procedures.

The Evaluation Process

During your initial consultation, our physical therapists in Affton, MO will carry out a detailed examination to evaluate the extent of your disc herniation and how it affects your mobility. The assessment typically involves analyzing your posture, flexibility, and how well your nerves are functioning.

Posture analysis: Identifying any imbalances that may be contributing to your condition.
Spine mobility tests: Checking the spine’s range of motion to pinpoint areas of stiffness or limited movement.
Nerve function testing: Assessing for nerve compression or damage that might result in symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the limbs.

Key Treatment Techniques:

Manual Therapy: Our licensed therapists use hands-on techniques to manipulate soft tissues and joints, reducing pain and muscle tension while improving spine mobility. This can involve:
- Spinal mobilization: Subtle adjustments aimed at correcting spinal misalignment and alleviating nerve compression.
- Myofascial release: A technique to reduce tightness in the connective tissues that surround muscles and organs, promoting overall relaxation and reducing pain.
- Trigger point dry needling: Using thin needles to penetrate muscle tissue, trigger healing responses, and reduce inflammation, tension, and discomfort.

Targeted Exercises:

Pelvic tilt: By strengthening the core, pelvic tilts help lessen pressure on the spine, leading to pain relief.
McKenzie extension: Helps relieve pressure on the herniated disc by gently extending the spine.
Cat-cow stretch: Improves spinal flexibility and reduces tension in the back muscles.
Lumbar stabilization: Strengthens muscles supporting the spine to enhance stability and reduce stress on the disc.
Hamstring stretches: Stretches the hamstrings to alleviate strain on the lower back.
Wall sits: This exercise strengthens the lower back and legs, helping to improve posture and provide better support for the spine.
Bridges: Strengthens the glutes and lower back, helping to support the spine and reduce pain.
Knee-to-chest stretch: Eases tension in the lower back by gently stretching the lumbar area, offering relief.
Bird-dog exercise: Enhances core stability and balance, strengthening muscles around the spine.

Progressive Treatment Plan

As your recovery progresses, we move from passive therapies, such as manual therapy, to more active treatments that focus on building strength and enhancing spinal health. Incorporating exercises such as bird-dog movements and prone extensions is essential for helping you restore control of your movements and avoid future injuries.

With our comprehensive approach, patients often see significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life, all without needing surgery. Each of our custom treatment plans is designed to help you recover at a rate that suits you, ensuring your rehabilitation is both comfortable and effective.

Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehab for Herniated Discs in Affton, MO

Although most herniated disc cases can be addressed without surgery, some severe cases or persistent symptoms may require surgical intervention. At Axes, we assist Affton, MO patients both before and after surgery with targeted rehabilitation to help you achieve the best possible recovery.

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Using physical therapy to prepare for surgery can significantly improve post-surgical recovery. Our goals before surgery include:

Maximizing mobility: We aim to strengthen and increase your mobility to ensure a quicker recovery after surgery.
Reducing pain and inflammation: Providing treatments to lower pain and reduce inflammation before surgery to improve comfort.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

Post-surgery, physical therapy is crucial for restoring your strength and improving your functional abilities. Our post-surgical rehabilitation plans focus on:

Rebuilding strength: Focusing on strengthening your core and spinal support muscles.
Restoring mobility: Helping you regain normal movement patterns while minimizing pain.
Preventing future injuries: By teaching you about proper posture, body mechanics, and safe ways to move.

Our goal is to ensure that surgery, when needed, is as successful as possible, allowing you to return to your everyday and favorite activities in Affton, MO without pain or limitations.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Affton, MO?

Our method for treating herniated discs at Axes Physical Therapy extends beyond just relieving pain. In Affton, MO, our licensed physical and occupational therapists bring 15+ years of expertise to crafting customized plans that address not only your symptoms but also the deeper issues causing your condition.

Why Patients Trust Us:

Experience: Our team has extensive experience treating a wide range of spine-related issues.
Patient-Centered Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, focusing on both their physical and emotional well-being.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: We use the latest in therapy techniques, from manual manipulation to advanced exercise regimens designed for herniated disc recovery.

Our success stories speak for themselves, with countless patients regaining the ability to live active, pain-free lives after undergoing treatment with us.

Other services we offer in Affton, MO include:

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Affton, MO

We at Axes Physical Therapy are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming the discomfort and challenges caused by a herniated disc. If you’re trying to avoid surgery or need post-surgical rehab, our expert therapists will create a tailored, scientifically supported plan to get you moving again and back to what you enjoy. Take control of your life again—contact Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery!