Herniated Disc Treatment Granite City, IL | Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs

Herniated Disc Treatment Granite City, IL. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but recovery is possible with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on scientifically-backed treatments tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or intense pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Granite City, IL focuses on helping you heal non-surgically, using personalized plans created to relieve pain, increase flexibility, and help you return to the things you enjoy.

Take control of your healing process and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Granite City, IL. Schedule an appointment through our website, 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 injury affecting the spine, where the soft, gel-like center of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) protrudes through its outer layer, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including sharp pain in the back or neck pain, as well as pain spreading through the arms or legs depending on the affected area of the spine. In advanced cases, it can lead to weakness or numbness in the limbs, making simple activities like walking, lifting, or even lying or sitting down challenging.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

Pain: Sharp, spreading pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often spreading to the limbs (sciatica).
Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to nerve compression.
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: Sudden trauma, such as playing sports or improper heavy lifting, can lead to a herniated disc.
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.

Addressing the issue early on is vital. At Axes Physical Therapy in Granite City, IL, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spine health to identify the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This allows us to design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, putting you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

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

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Granite City, IL

At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in non-surgical approaches to treating herniated discs in Granite City, IL. Our goal is to reduce discomfort, increase flexibility, and enhance your daily living, all while avoiding the need for surgery.

The Evaluation Process

At Axes Physical Therapy in Granite City, IL, 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: Evaluating any posture misalignments that might be affecting your spine and overall condition.
Spine mobility tests: Assessing the range of motion in your spine and identifying areas where movement is restricted.
Nerve function testing: Evaluating any signs of nerve damage or compression that may be causing numbness or tingling.

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: Inserting fine needles into the skin and muscles to promote healing and alleviate tension, inflammation, and pain.

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: 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: Increases flexibility in the legs, which reduces strain on the lower back.
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: 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 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. Key exercises like bird-dog movements and prone extensions are critical for your recovery, as they help you regain control over your body and reduce the risk of 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. 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 Granite City, IL

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 support Granite City, IL patients both before and after surgery with focused therapy aimed at ensuring the best results.

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: Ensuring that your body is as strong and mobile as possible to support faster recovery post-surgery.
Reducing pain and inflammation: Using therapies that can help ease discomfort in the days leading up to surgery.

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: Primarily targeting the core muscles and other muscles that support your spine.
Restoring mobility: Aiming to restore natural movement patterns with as little pain as possible.
Preventing future injuries: By teaching you about proper posture, body mechanics, and safe ways to move.

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

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our approach to treating herniated discs goes beyond simple pain relief. Our Granite City, IL 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 Granite City, IL include:

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Granite City, IL

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 Granite City, IL today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!

Granite City, IL