Herniated Disc Treatment Earth City, MO. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but healing is achievable with the proper care. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in research-supported treatments customized for your unique condition, whether you’re experiencing slight pain or intense pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Earth City, MO is committed to helping you heal without surgery, using customized plans designed to reduce pain, 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 Earth City, MO. Schedule an appointment online, contact 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) bulges out from its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This condition can lead to a set of issues, 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 severe 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: Intense, shooting pain in the lumbar region (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: 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: Trauma, like sports injuries or lifting improperly, can cause discs in the spine to herniate.
• Repetitive movements: Repeated movements like bending, twisting, or heavy lifting in certain jobs or activities heighten the chances of a disc injury.
• Poor posture: Prolonged poor posture, whether sitting or standing, can lead to extra stress on the spine.

It’s crucial to intervene early. At Axes Physical Therapy in Earth City, MO, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of your alignment, mobility, reflexes, and spine health to determine the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This allows us to design a treatment plan customized for your specific needs, putting you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Earth City, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Earth City, MO. Our objective is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and improve your quality of life, all while bypassing the need for surgery.

The Evaluation Process

At your first consultation, the physical therapy team in Earth City, MO will perform a thorough assessment to understand how the herniated disc is impacting your movement. This will cover multiple factors, such as your range of motion, spinal alignment, and nerve reflexes.

• Posture analysis: Identifying any imbalances that may be contributing to your condition.
• Spine mobility tests: Assessing the range of motion in your spine and identifying areas where movement is restricted.
• 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: 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: Using thin needles to penetrate muscle tissue, trigger healing responses, and reduce inflammation, tension, and discomfort.

Targeted Exercises:

• Pelvic tilt: Strengthens core muscles, reducing pressure on the spine and alleviating pain.
• 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: Stretches the hamstrings to alleviate strain on the lower back.
• Wall sits: Builds strength in the legs and lower back, promoting better posture and spinal support.
• Bridges: This exercise targets the glutes and lower back, offering additional support to the spine and alleviating discomfort.
• Knee-to-chest stretch: Gently stretches the lower back, relieving tension in the lumbar area.
• 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.

Our thorough treatment approach allows patients to experience notable reductions in pain, increased mobility, and a better quality of life, without the need for 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 Earth City, MO

In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we support Earth City, MO 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: We aim to strengthen and increase your mobility to ensure a quicker recovery after surgery.
• Reducing pain and inflammation: Employing therapeutic techniques to minimize discomfort and swelling before your procedure.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

After surgery, physical therapy becomes an important part of restoring function and getting you back to full strength. Our post-surgical rehabilitation plans focus on:

• Rebuilding strength: Especially in the core muscles and those supporting the spine.
• Restoring mobility: Helping you regain normal movement patterns while minimizing pain.
• Preventing future injuries: Providing education on how to maintain good posture and safe body mechanics to avoid future injuries.

Our objective is to maximize the success of any necessary surgeries so you can resume your normal and enjoyable activities in Earth City, MO, free from pain or limitations.

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

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. In Earth City, 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 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: 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 Earth City, MO include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Earth City, MO

We at Axes Physical Therapy are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming the discomfort and challenges 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. Take control of your life again—contact Axes Physical Therapy in Earth City, MO today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery!