Herniated Disc Treatment Collinsville, IL | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs

Herniated Disc Treatment Collinsville, IL. A herniated disc can disrupt your day-to-day activities, but improvement is possible with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based treatments customized for your unique condition, whether you’re experiencing minor aches or severe pain. Our dedicated physical therapy team in Collinsville, IL specializes in helping you heal without surgery, using personalized plans created to alleviate discomfort, improve movement, and help you return to the activities you love.

Start managing your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Collinsville, IL. Schedule 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 condition affecting the spine, where the soft, inner material of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) protrudes through its outer layer, causing pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can cause a set of issues, including severe back discomfort or neck pain, as well as pain radiating into 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 lying or sitting down difficult.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

Pain: Acute, radiating pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often affecting 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: Jobs or activities that involve repeated bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects increase the risk of disc injury.
Poor posture: Sitting or standing for long periods in poor postures puts additional strain on the spine.

Early intervention is critical. At Axes Physical Therapy in Collinsville, IL, we carry out an in-depth assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to identify the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This helps us design a treatment plan personalized to your specific needs, helping you get on the path to recovery quickly and effectively.

Herniated Disc Treatment Greater Collinsville, IL | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs Near Collinsville

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Collinsville, IL

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on non-surgical approaches to treating herniated discs in Collinsville, IL. Our objective is to ease pain, improve movement, and boost your well-being, all while avoiding the need for invasive procedures.

The Evaluation Process

At your first consultation, the physical therapy team in Collinsville, IL will perform a thorough assessment to understand how the herniated disc is impacting your movement. This includes assessing various factors like posture, range of motion, and nerve function.

Posture analysis: Evaluating any posture misalignments that might be affecting your spine and overall condition.
Spine mobility tests: Checking the spine’s range of motion to pinpoint areas of stiffness or limited movement.
Nerve function testing: Testing nerve function to detect possible compression or damage leading to symptoms like numbness or tingling.

Key Treatment Techniques:

Manual Therapy: With manual therapy, our licensed specialists work directly on your soft tissues and joints to alleviate pain and tension, while helping to enhance your spine’s flexibility. This can involve:
- Spinal mobilization: Careful manipulation techniques to restore proper spinal alignment and reduce nerve pressure.
- 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: This exercise builds core strength, which helps reduce spinal pressure and ease discomfort.
McKenzie extension: This exercise reduces disc pressure by carefully extending the spine.
Cat-cow stretch: Enhances spine mobility while easing tension in the muscles of the back.
Lumbar stabilization: Increases the strength of the muscles surrounding the spine, promoting stability and reducing strain on the disc.
Hamstring stretches: Improves leg flexibility to help reduce pressure on the lower spine.
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: Gently stretches the lower back, relieving tension in the lumbar area.
Bird-dog exercise: This exercise improves core balance and stability while strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine.

Progressive Treatment Plan

As your condition improves, we transition from passive treatments, like manual therapy, to more active therapies designed to strengthen your body and improve your overall 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 Collinsville, IL

Although most herniated disc cases can be addressed without surgery, some severe cases or persistent symptoms may require surgical intervention. At Axes, we support Collinsville, IL patients both before and after surgery with focused therapy designed to optimize outcomes.

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Preparing for surgery through physical therapy can enhance your recovery afterward. 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: Using therapies that can help ease discomfort in the days leading up to surgery.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

Post-surgery, physical therapy is crucial for restoring your strength and improving your functional abilities. We design post-surgical rehab plans with a focus on:

Rebuilding strength: Especially in the core muscles and those supporting the spine.
Restoring mobility: Aiming to restore natural movement patterns with as little pain as possible.
Preventing future injuries: Through education on posture, body mechanics, and safe movements.

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 Collinsville, IL without pain or limitations.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Collinsville, IL?

At Axes Physical Therapy, our approach to treating herniated discs goes beyond simple pain relief. With over 15 years of experience, our licensed physical and occupational therapists in Collinsville, IL design tailored treatment plans that target both the symptoms and root causes of your condition.

Why Patients Trust Us:

Experience: Our therapists have vast experience managing a variety of spinal conditions.
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.

We’ve helped numerous patients return to active, pain-free lives through our treatments, and their success stories are a testament to our approach.

Other services we offer in Collinsville, IL include:

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Collinsville, IL

At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping you overcome the pain and limitations 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 Collinsville, IL today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!

Collinsville, IL