Herniated Disc Treatment Oakville, MO. A herniated disc can throw off your routine, but recovery is achievable with the proper care. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in scientifically-backed treatments tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with slight pain or serious discomfort. Our committed physical therapy team in Oakville, MO specializes in supporting your healing through conservative care, using individualized plans intended to alleviate discomfort, increase flexibility, and get you back to the things you enjoy.
Take control of your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Oakville, 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 injury 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 cause a set of issues, including sharp pain in the back or neck pain, as well as pain extending to 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 resting or sitting down hard to perform.
Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Pain: Intense, radiating pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or cervical area (cervical herniation), often extending to 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: 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: Over time, spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility, reducing their ability to cushion the spine, which increases the risk of injury.
- Injury and improper lifting: Trauma, like sports injuries or lifting improperly, can cause discs in the spine to herniate.
- Repetitive movements: Jobs or activities that involve repeated bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects increase the risk of disc injury.
- 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 Oakville, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to identify the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This allows us to create a treatment plan customized for your unique condition, getting you started on your healing journey as soon as possible.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Oakville, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in non-surgical approaches to treating herniated discs in Oakville, MO. Our aim is to reduce discomfort, increase flexibility, and improve your quality of life, all while preventing the need for surgery.
The Evaluation Process
At your first consultation, the physical therapy team in Oakville, 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: Evaluating any posture misalignments that might be affecting your spine and overall 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: Subtle adjustments aimed at correcting spinal misalignment and alleviating nerve compression.
- 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: Gently stretches the spine to alleviate pressure on the herniated disc.
- Cat-cow stretch: Aids in increasing spinal flexibility and decreasing muscle tension in the back.
- Lumbar stabilization: Increases the strength of the muscles surrounding the spine, promoting stability and reducing strain on the disc.
- Hamstring stretches: Increases flexibility in the legs, which reduces strain on the lower back.
- Wall sits: Builds strength in the legs and lower back, promoting better posture and spinal support.
- Bridges: Strengthens the glutes and lower back, helping to support the spine and reduce pain.
- Knee-to-chest stretch: Gently stretches the lower back, relieving tension in the lumbar area.
- Bird-dog exercise: Builds core stability and balance, helping to strengthen the muscles that support 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. 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 Oakville, MO
In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we help Oakville, MO patients both before and after surgery with specialized rehab aimed at ensuring the best results.
Pre-Surgery Therapy:
Preparing for surgery through physical therapy can enhance your recovery afterward. Before surgery, we focus on achieving the following objectives:
- 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. 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.
Our objective is to maximize the success of any necessary surgeries so you can resume your normal and enjoyable activities in Oakville, MO, free from pain or limitations.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Oakville, MO?
At Axes Physical Therapy, our approach to treating herniated discs goes beyond simple pain relief. Our Oakville, 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 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: We use the latest in therapy techniques, from manual manipulation to advanced exercise regimens designed for herniated disc recovery.
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 Oakville, 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 Oakville, 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. Don’t let a herniated disc slow you down—reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Oakville, MO now to schedule your assessment and begin your recovery journey!