Herniated Disc Treatment Manchester, MO. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but improvement is achievable with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are experts in research-supported treatments personalized to your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with minor aches or intense pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Manchester, MO specializes in supporting your healing without surgery, using individualized plans intended 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 Manchester, MO. Request 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) bulges out from its outer layer, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can result in a range of symptoms, including intense back pain 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 hard to perform.
Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Pain: Intense, radiating pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often affecting the limbs (sciatica).
- Numbness or tingling: A frequent symptom is numbness or tingling in the limbs, particularly the arms, legs, hands, or feet, which occurs because of 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 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: 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.
Addressing the issue early on is vital. At Axes Physical Therapy in Manchester, MO, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of your posture, mobility, reflexes, and spinal health to assess the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This allows us to develop a treatment plan customized for your specific needs, putting you on the road to recovery quickly and effectively.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Manchester, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on non-invasive approaches to treating herniated discs in Manchester, MO. Our objective is to ease pain, increase flexibility, and enhance your daily living, all while avoiding the need for invasive procedures.
The Evaluation Process
At Axes Physical Therapy in Manchester, 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. This includes assessing various factors like posture, range of motion, and nerve function.
- Posture analysis: Identifying any imbalances that may be contributing to your condition.
- Spine mobility tests: Evaluating how well your spine moves to determine any restrictions in mobility.
- Nerve function testing: Evaluating any signs of nerve damage or compression that may be causing 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 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: By strengthening the core, pelvic tilts help lessen pressure on the spine, leading to pain relief.
- McKenzie extension: Helps relieve pressure on the herniated disc by gently 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: Builds strength in the glutes and lower back, contributing to better spinal support and pain relief.
- Knee-to-chest stretch: Helps to gently stretch the lower back, reducing tension and providing relief in the lumbar region.
- Bird-dog exercise: Builds core stability and balance, helping to strengthen the muscles that support 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. 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.
With our comprehensive approach, patients often see significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life, all without needing surgery. We create individualized treatment plans that guarantee you recover at a comfortable and effective pace, making your healing process smooth and easy.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehab for Herniated Discs in Manchester, MO
In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we help Manchester, MO patients both before and after surgery with specialized rehab aimed at ensuring the best results.
Pre-Surgery Therapy:
Using physical therapy to prepare for surgery can significantly improve post-surgical recovery. 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: Providing treatments to lower pain and reduce inflammation before surgery to improve comfort.
Post-Surgery Therapy:
Post-surgery, physical therapy is crucial for restoring your strength and improving your functional abilities. 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: Providing education on how to maintain good posture and safe body mechanics to avoid future injuries.
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 Manchester, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Manchester, MO?
Our method for treating herniated discs at Axes Physical Therapy extends beyond just relieving pain. Our Manchester, 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: We customize each care plan to the patient, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
- Cutting-Edge Techniques: We use the latest in therapy techniques, from manual manipulation to advanced exercise regimens designed for herniated disc recovery.
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 Manchester, MO include:
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Vertigo Treatment
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Manchester, MO
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 Manchester, MO today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!