Herniated Disc Treatment Soulard, MO. A herniated disc can interfere with your routine, but recovery is achievable with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual requirements, whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or serious discomfort. Our expert physical therapy team in Soulard, MO specializes in helping you heal without surgery, using individualized plans designed to relieve pain, improve movement, and get you back to the activities you love.

Start managing your healing process and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Soulard, MO. Schedule an appointment online, call 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 injury affecting the spine, where the soft, gel-like center of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) protrudes through its outer layer, causing pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can result in a range of symptoms, including severe back discomfort or neck pain, as well as pain extending to 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, rendering basic actions like walking, lifting, or even lying or sitting down hard to perform.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

• Pain: Acute, shooting pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often extending to the limbs (sciatica).
• Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to 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 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: Prolonged poor posture, whether sitting or standing, can lead to extra stress on the spine.

Early intervention is critical. At Axes Physical Therapy in Soulard, MO, we carry out an in-depth assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to determine the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This helps us design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, helping you get on the path to recovery quickly and effectively.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Soulard, MO. Our objective is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and improve your quality of life, all while preventing the need for surgery.

The Evaluation Process

At Axes Physical Therapy in Soulard, 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 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: 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: 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: Gentle adjustments to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
  • Myofascial release: A technique to reduce tightness in the connective tissues that surround muscles and organs, promoting overall relaxation and reducing pain.
  • Trigger point dry needling: Penetrating the skin and underlying tissue with thin, filiform needles to stimulate healing and relieve muscle tension, inflammation, and pain.

Targeted Exercises:

• Pelvic tilt: Strengthens core muscles, reducing pressure on the spine and alleviating pain.
• McKenzie extension: Gently stretches the spine to alleviate pressure on the herniated disc.
• Cat-cow stretch: Improves spinal flexibility and reduces tension in the back muscles.
• 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: This exercise strengthens the lower back and legs, helping to improve posture and provide better support for the spine.
• Bridges: Strengthens the glutes and lower back, helping to support the spine and reduce pain.
• 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.

Thanks to our all-encompassing approach, many patients enjoy improvements in pain, movement, and their overall quality of life, avoiding surgery altogether. 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 Soulard, MO

In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we help Soulard, MO patients both before and after surgery with specialized rehab to help you achieve the best possible recovery.

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: Ensuring that your body is as strong and mobile as possible to support faster recovery post-surgery.
• Reducing pain and inflammation: Providing treatments to lower pain and reduce inflammation before surgery to improve comfort.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

Following surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in helping you regain function and rebuild strength. Our recovery plans after surgery concentrate on the following:

• Rebuilding strength: Especially in the core muscles and those supporting the 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 Soulard, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.

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

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. In Soulard, 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 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: 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 Soulard, MO include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment

Call Axes For Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Soulard, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, our mission is to help you conquer the pain and restrictions of 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 Soulard, MO today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!