Herniated Disc Treatment Parkdale, MO. A herniated disc can throw off your day-to-day activities, but improvement is achievable with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are experts in research-supported treatments personalized to your unique condition, whether you’re suffering from slight pain or serious discomfort. Our committed physical therapy team in Parkdale, MO is committed to helping you heal without surgery, using customized plans intended to relieve pain, improve movement, and get you back to the life you love.
Take control of your healing process and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Parkdale, MO. Make an appointment online, call 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, inner material of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) bulges out from its outer layer, causing pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can cause a set of issues, 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 severe cases, it can result in weakness or numbness in the limbs, making daily tasks like walking, lifting, or even lying or sitting down difficult.
Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Pain: Acute, shooting pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or cervical area (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: 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: 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: Maintaining poor posture over extended periods can add unnecessary pressure to the spine.
It’s crucial to intervene early. At Axes Physical Therapy in Parkdale, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your alignment, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to assess the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This enables us to develop a treatment plan customized for your specific needs, helping you get on the path to recovery as soon as possible.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Parkdale, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in non-invasive approaches to treating herniated discs in Parkdale, MO. Our objective is to reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and boost your well-being, all while avoiding the need for invasive procedures.
The Evaluation Process
At your first consultation, the physical therapy team in Parkdale, 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: Assessing your posture to find imbalances that could be causing or worsening your herniated disc.
- 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 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: 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: Inserting fine needles into the skin and muscles to promote healing and alleviate tension, inflammation, and pain.
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: 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: Helps to gently stretch the lower back, reducing tension and providing relief in the lumbar region.
- 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 Parkdale, MO
Although most herniated disc cases can be addressed without surgery, some severe cases or persistent symptoms may require surgical intervention. At Axes, we support Parkdale, MO patients both before and after surgery with focused therapy to help you achieve the best possible recovery.
Pre-Surgery Therapy:
Preparing for surgery through physical therapy can enhance your recovery afterward. The primary aims of pre-surgical therapy are:
- Maximizing mobility: Focusing on building strength and flexibility in your body to promote a faster recovery once surgery is complete.
- 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: Working to help you move freely again while reducing any discomfort.
- Preventing future injuries: By teaching you about proper posture, body mechanics, and safe ways to move.
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 Parkdale, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Parkdale, MO?
At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. In Parkdale, 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: 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 Parkdale, 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 Parkdale, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping you overcome the pain and limitations 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 Parkdale, MO now to schedule your assessment and begin your recovery journey!