Herniated Disc Treatment Washington, 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 focus on evidence-based treatments customized for your individual requirements, whether you’re experiencing minor aches or intense pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Washington, MO specializes in supporting your healing through conservative care, using customized plans intended to relieve pain, improve movement, and help you return to the activities you love.

Take control of your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Washington, MO. Schedule an appointment through our website, give a call to 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) pushes through its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This condition can result in a set of issues, including intense back pain 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 daily tasks like walking, lifting, or even resting or sitting down difficult.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

• Pain: Acute, 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: 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: A herniated disc can occur due to sudden injuries from sports or incorrect lifting of heavy objects.
• 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 Washington, MO, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of your posture, mobility, reflexes, and spinal health to assess the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This enables us to design a treatment plan customized for your unique condition, putting you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, we focus on conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Washington, MO. Our goal is to reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and enhance your daily living, all while avoiding the need for invasive procedures.

The Evaluation Process

At Axes Physical Therapy in Washington, 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: Evaluating any posture misalignments that might be affecting your spine and overall condition.
• Spine mobility tests: Evaluating how well your spine moves to determine any restrictions in mobility.
• Nerve function testing: Testing nerve function to detect possible compression or damage leading to symptoms like numbness or tingling.

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 method focused on loosening the connective tissues around muscles and organs to ease tension and reduce discomfort.
  • Trigger point dry needling: Using thin needles to penetrate muscle tissue, trigger healing responses, and reduce inflammation, tension, and discomfort.

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: 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: Helps to gently stretch the lower back, reducing tension and providing relief in the lumbar region.
• Bird-dog exercise: This exercise improves core balance and stability while strengthening the muscles surrounding 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 Washington, MO

While many herniated disc cases can be treated non-surgically, surgery is sometimes necessary for severe cases or when symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment. At Axes, we help Washington, 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. The primary aims of pre-surgical therapy are:

• Maximizing mobility: Ensuring that your body is as strong and mobile as possible to support faster recovery post-surgery.
• 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 recovery plans after surgery concentrate on the following:

• 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: Providing education on how to maintain good posture and safe body mechanics to avoid future injuries.

Our goal is to ensure that surgery, when needed, is as successful as possible, allowing you to return to your everyday and favorite activities in Washington, MO without pain or limitations.

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

At Axes, we believe in addressing more than just the pain when treating herniated discs. With over 15 years of experience, our licensed physical and occupational therapists in Washington, MO design tailored treatment plans that target both the symptoms and root causes of your condition.

Why Patients Trust Us:

• Experience: Our therapists have vast experience managing a variety of spinal conditions.
• 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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 slow you down—reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Washington, MO now to schedule your assessment and begin your recovery journey!