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

Herniated Disc Treatment Kirkwood, MO. A herniated disc can interfere with your routine, but healing is possible with the appropriate treatment. At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on scientifically-backed treatments tailored to your unique condition, whether you’re suffering from slight pain or severe pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Kirkwood, MO specializes in supporting your healing non-surgically, using customized plans intended to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and help you return to the things you enjoy.

Start managing your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO. Make an appointment through our website, call the location nearest you, or visit 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 cause a set of issues, including severe back discomfort 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 even cause weakness or numbness in the limbs, making simple activities like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down difficult.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

Pain: Sharp, shooting pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often spreading 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: 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: 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 Kirkwood, MO, we carry out an in-depth assessment of your posture, mobility, reflexes, and spine health to identify the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This allows us to develop a treatment plan customized for your unique condition, getting you started on your healing journey quickly and effectively.

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

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer non-invasive approaches to treating herniated discs in Kirkwood, MO. Our aim is to reduce discomfort, improve movement, and boost your well-being, all while preventing the need for surgery.

The Evaluation Process

During your initial consultation, our physical therapists in Kirkwood, 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: 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: 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: 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: Helps relieve pressure on the herniated disc by gently extending the spine.
Cat-cow stretch: Improves spinal flexibility and reduces tension in the back muscles.
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: Builds strength in the legs and lower back, promoting better posture and spinal support.
Bridges: Builds strength in the glutes and lower back, contributing to better spinal support and pain relief.
Knee-to-chest stretch: Eases tension in the lower back by gently stretching the lumbar area, offering relief.
Bird-dog exercise: This exercise improves core balance and stability while strengthening the muscles surrounding 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. Incorporating exercises such as bird-dog movements and prone extensions is essential for helping you restore control of your movements and avoid future injuries.

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 Kirkwood, MO

Although most herniated disc cases can be addressed without surgery, some severe cases or persistent symptoms may require surgical intervention. At Axes, we assist Kirkwood, MO patients both before and after surgery with specialized rehab designed to optimize outcomes.

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Preparing for surgery through physical therapy can enhance your recovery afterward. 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: Employing therapeutic techniques to minimize discomfort and swelling before your procedure.

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: Especially in the core muscles and those supporting the spine.
Restoring mobility: Helping you regain normal movement patterns while minimizing pain.
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 Kirkwood, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.

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

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. In Kirkwood, 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: We bring years of expertise to treating numerous spine-related concerns.
Patient-Centered Care: We customize each care plan to the patient, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: Utilizing the most up-to-date therapy methods, we incorporate everything from manual therapy to specialized exercises 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 Kirkwood, MO include:

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Kirkwood, MO

We at Axes Physical Therapy are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming the discomfort and challenges caused by a herniated disc. If you’re trying to avoid surgery or need post-surgical rehab, our expert therapists will create a tailored, scientifically supported plan to get you moving again and back to what you enjoy. Take control of your life again—contact Axes Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery!

Kirkwood, MO