Herniated Disc Treatment Augusta, MO. A herniated disc can disrupt your day-to-day activities, but healing is possible with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in research-supported treatments personalized to your individual requirements, whether you’re dealing with minor aches or severe pain. Our expert physical therapy team in Augusta, MO specializes in helping you heal non-surgically, using personalized plans intended to alleviate discomfort, restore mobility, and help you return to the activities you love.

Take control of your healing process and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO. Make an appointment through our website, call the location nearest you, or drop by 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) protrudes through its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This condition can lead to a range 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 extreme cases, it can even cause weakness or numbness in the limbs, rendering basic actions like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down hard to perform.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

• Pain: Sharp, radiating pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often extending to the limbs (sciatica).
• Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to nerve compression.
• Muscle weakness: If you notice reduced strength in your arms or legs, it could point to a more significant compression of the nerves.

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: Maintaining poor posture over extended periods can add unnecessary pressure to the spine.

Addressing the issue early on is vital. At Axes Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO, we carry out an in-depth assessment of your alignment, movement, reflexes, and spine health to identify the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This allows us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, getting you started on your healing journey as soon as possible.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in non-invasive approaches to treating herniated discs in Augusta, MO. Our aim is to ease pain, improve movement, and enhance your daily living, all while preventing the need for invasive procedures.

The Evaluation Process

During your initial consultation, our physical therapists in Augusta, 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 highly trained therapists perform hands-on manipulation of soft tissues and joints to relieve pain, ease muscle tension, and improve spinal mobility. This can involve:
  • Spinal mobilization: Subtle adjustments aimed at correcting spinal misalignment and alleviating nerve compression.
  • Myofascial release: A method focused on loosening the connective tissues around muscles and organs to ease tension and reduce discomfort.
  • Trigger point dry needling: Inserting fine needles into the skin and muscles to promote healing and alleviate tension, inflammation, and pain.

Targeted Exercises:

• Pelvic tilt: By strengthening the core, pelvic tilts help lessen pressure on the spine, leading to pain relief.
• McKenzie extension: This exercise reduces disc pressure by carefully extending the spine.
• Cat-cow stretch: Aids in increasing spinal flexibility and decreasing muscle tension in the back.
• Lumbar stabilization: Strengthens muscles supporting the spine to enhance stability and reduce stress on the disc.
• Hamstring stretches: Improves leg flexibility to help reduce pressure on the lower spine.
• Wall sits: Helps to increase strength in the lower back and legs, aiding in posture improvement and spinal stability.
• Bridges: This exercise targets the glutes and lower back, offering additional support to the spine and alleviating discomfort.
• 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 you heal, we shift from passive treatments like manual therapy to more active therapies that are geared toward strengthening your body and improving your spine’s health. Exercises like bird-dog movements and prone extensions become key components of your recovery, helping you regain control over your movements and prevent further injury.

Thanks to our all-encompassing approach, many patients enjoy improvements in pain, movement, and their overall quality of life, avoiding surgery altogether. Our personalized treatment plans ensure that you are always progressing at a pace that works for you, keeping your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.

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

In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we assist Augusta, MO patients both before and after surgery with targeted rehabilitation designed to optimize outcomes.

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Engaging in physical therapy before surgery helps optimize recovery after the procedure. The primary aims of pre-surgical therapy are:

• 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:

Following surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in helping you regain function and rebuild strength. Our recovery plans after surgery concentrate on the following:

• Rebuilding strength: Especially in the core muscles and those supporting the spine.
• Restoring mobility: Working to help you move freely again while reducing any discomfort.
• Preventing future injuries: By teaching you about proper posture, body mechanics, and safe ways to move.

We aim to make sure that when surgery is required, it’s as effective as possible, helping you get back to the things you love in Augusta, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our approach to treating herniated discs goes beyond simple pain relief. In Augusta, 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: Our team employs cutting-edge techniques, including manual therapy and advanced exercise programs for herniated disc rehabilitation.

The success of our patients, many of whom have regained full mobility and live pain-free, speaks volumes about the quality of care we provide.

Other services we offer in Augusta, MO include:

• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Vertigo Treatment
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Augusta, MO

We at Axes Physical Therapy are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming the discomfort and challenges caused by a herniated disc. Our skilled therapists will develop a customized, evidence-based treatment plan to help you recover from surgery or avoid it altogether, restoring your mobility and allowing you to enjoy the things you love. Don’t let a herniated disc dampen your life—reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!