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

Herniated Disc Treatment Desoto, MO. A herniated disc can throw off your routine, but recovery is within reach with the appropriate treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on research-supported treatments customized for your specific needs, whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or intense pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Desoto, MO focuses on helping you heal through conservative care, using customized plans intended to alleviate discomfort, improve movement, and get you back to the things you enjoy.

Take control of your healing process and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Desoto, MO. Schedule an appointment through our website, give a call to the location nearest you, or come to 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, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can result in a set of issues, 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 lead to weakness or numbness in the limbs, making daily tasks like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down hard to perform.

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: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to nerve compression.
Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness often manifests in the arms or legs, which can signal a more severe form of 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: Prolonged poor posture, whether sitting or standing, can lead to extra stress on the spine.

Early intervention is critical. At Axes Physical Therapy in Desoto, 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 helps us create a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition, getting you started on your healing journey quickly and effectively.

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

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Desoto, MO. Our goal is to ease pain, improve movement, and boost your well-being, all while preventing the need for surgery.

The Evaluation Process

At Axes Physical Therapy in Desoto, MO, our physical therapists will begin your first session with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your disc herniation and its effect on 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: 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: Gentle adjustments to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- 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: This exercise builds core strength, which helps reduce spinal pressure and ease discomfort.
McKenzie extension: Helps relieve pressure on the herniated disc by gently extending the spine.
Cat-cow stretch: Aids in increasing spinal flexibility and decreasing muscle tension in the back.
Lumbar stabilization: Builds spinal support muscles, improving stability and minimizing disc pressure.
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: Builds strength in the glutes and lower back, contributing to better spinal support and pain relief.
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. 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.

With our comprehensive approach, patients often see significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life, all without needing surgery. 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 Desoto, MO

In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we assist Desoto, MO patients both before and after surgery with focused therapy 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. We design post-surgical rehab plans with a focus on:

Rebuilding strength: Focusing on strengthening your core and spinal support muscles.
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.

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 Desoto, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.

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

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. Our Desoto, 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: Our team employs cutting-edge techniques, including manual therapy and advanced exercise programs for herniated disc rehabilitation.

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 Desoto, MO include:

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Desoto, 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 slow you down—reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Desoto, MO now to schedule your assessment and begin your recovery journey!