Herniated Disc Treatment Bloomsdale, MO. A herniated disc can disrupt your routine, but recovery is possible with the proper care. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are experts in evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique condition, whether you’re suffering from minor aches or intense pain. Our expert physical therapy team in Bloomsdale, MO is committed to helping you heal non-surgically, using personalized plans created to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to the activities you love.
Start managing your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Bloomsdale, MO. Make an appointment online, give a call to 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 condition affecting the spine, where the soft, gel-like center of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) pushes through its outer layer, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including intense back pain 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 lead to weakness or numbness in the limbs, making simple activities like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down difficult.
Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Pain: Acute, shooting pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or cervical area (cervical herniation), often extending to the limbs (sciatica).
- Numbness or tingling: It’s typical to feel numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet, often as a result of compressed nerves.
- 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 get older, our spinal discs gradually lose their natural hydration and flexibility, making them more susceptible to damage.
- 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.
It’s crucial to intervene early. At Axes Physical Therapy in Bloomsdale, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to assess the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This helps us create a treatment plan personalized to your specific needs, getting you started on your healing journey quickly and effectively.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Bloomsdale, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on non-invasive approaches to treating herniated discs in Bloomsdale, MO. Our aim is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and improve your quality of life, all while bypassing the need for surgical interventions.
The Evaluation Process
During your initial consultation, our physical therapists in Bloomsdale, MO will carry out a detailed examination to evaluate the extent of your disc herniation and how it affects your mobility. This will cover multiple factors, such as your range of motion, spinal alignment, and nerve reflexes.
- Posture analysis: Assessing your posture to find imbalances that could be causing or worsening your herniated disc.
- Spine mobility tests: Evaluating how well your spine moves to determine any restrictions in mobility.
- Nerve function testing: Evaluating any signs of nerve damage or compression that may be causing numbness or tingling.
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: Gentle adjustments to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Myofascial release: A therapy used to release tightness in the fascia, leading to reduced pain and enhanced relaxation.
- Trigger point dry needling: Penetrating the skin and underlying tissue with thin, filiform needles to stimulate healing and relieve muscle 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: Gently stretches the spine to alleviate pressure on the herniated disc.
- Cat-cow stretch: Enhances spine mobility while easing tension in the muscles of 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: Strengthens the glutes and lower back, helping to support the spine and reduce pain.
- Knee-to-chest stretch: Helps to gently stretch the lower back, reducing tension and providing relief in the lumbar region.
- Bird-dog exercise: Builds core stability and balance, helping to strengthen the muscles that support 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. 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 Bloomsdale, MO
While many herniated disc cases can be treated non-surgically, surgery is sometimes necessary for severe cases or when symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment. At Axes, we help Bloomsdale, MO patients both before and after surgery with focused therapy designed to optimize outcomes.
Pre-Surgery Therapy:
Using physical therapy to prepare for surgery can significantly improve post-surgical recovery. Our goals before surgery include:
- Maximizing mobility: Focusing on building strength and flexibility in your body to promote a faster recovery once surgery is complete.
- 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 recovery plans after surgery concentrate on the following:
- Rebuilding strength: Primarily targeting the core muscles and other muscles that support your spine.
- Restoring mobility: Working to help you move freely again while reducing any discomfort.
- Preventing future injuries: Providing education on how to maintain good posture and safe body mechanics to avoid future injuries.
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 Bloomsdale, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Bloomsdale, MO?
At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. Our Bloomsdale, MO licensed physical and occupational therapists with over 15 years of experience create personalized, comprehensive treatment plans that address both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of your condition.
Why Patients Trust Us:
- Experience: Our team has extensive experience treating a wide range of spine-related issues.
- Patient-Centered Care: Every treatment plan is personalized to the individual, ensuring that both their physical and emotional health are prioritized.
- 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 Bloomsdale, 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 Bloomsdale, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping you overcome the pain and limitations caused by a herniated disc. Whether you’re looking to avoid surgery or recover after one, our expert therapists will create a personalized, scientifically backed treatment plan to restore your mobility and get you back to the activities you love. Don’t let a herniated disc dampen your life—reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Bloomsdale, MO today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!