Herniated Disc Treatment Weldon Spring, MO. A herniated disc can keep you from living the active life you want, but improvement is possible with the right approach. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based treatments personalized to your specific needs, whether you’re suffering from slight pain or intense pain. Our dedicated physical therapy team in Weldon Spring, MO is committed to supporting your healing without surgery, using customized plans intended to alleviate discomfort, increase flexibility, 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 Weldon Spring, MO. Request 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 injury affecting the spine, where the soft, inner material of a disc (the Nucleus Pulposus) pushes through its outer layer, placing strain on nearby nerves. This condition can lead to a set of issues, 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 extreme cases, it can lead to weakness or numbness in the limbs, making daily tasks like walking, lifting, or even lying or sitting down hard to perform.

Herniated disc symptoms include:

• Pain: Acute, spreading pain in the lower back (lumbar herniation) or neck (cervical herniation), often extending to the limbs (sciatica).
• Numbness or tingling: It’s typical to feel numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet, often as a result of compressed nerves.
• 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 Weldon Spring, MO, we conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to identify the severity and exact location of the herniated disc. This helps us design a treatment plan personalized to your unique condition, helping you get on the path to recovery quickly and effectively.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Weldon Spring, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer non-invasive approaches to treating herniated discs in Weldon Spring, MO. Our goal is to alleviate pain, increase flexibility, and boost your well-being, all while bypassing the need for surgical interventions.

The Evaluation Process

During your initial consultation, our physical therapists in Weldon Spring, MO will carry out a detailed examination to evaluate the extent of your disc herniation and how it affects your mobility. The assessment typically involves analyzing your posture, flexibility, and how well your nerves are functioning.

• 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: 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 technique to reduce tightness in the connective tissues that surround muscles and organs, promoting overall relaxation and reducing pain.
  • 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: Helps relieve pressure on the herniated disc by gently extending the spine.
• Cat-cow stretch: Improves spinal flexibility and reduces tension in the back muscles.
• Lumbar stabilization: Strengthens muscles supporting the spine to enhance stability and reduce stress on the disc.
• Hamstring stretches: Stretches the hamstrings to alleviate 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: This exercise targets the glutes and lower back, offering additional support to the spine and alleviating discomfort.
• Knee-to-chest stretch: Eases tension in the lower back by gently stretching the lumbar area, offering relief.
• 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.

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 Weldon Spring, MO

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

Pre-Surgery Therapy:

Engaging in physical therapy before surgery helps optimize recovery after the procedure. 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: 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: 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: Through education on posture, body mechanics, and safe movements.

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 Weldon Spring, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Herniated Disc Treatment in Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, MO design tailored treatment plans that target both the symptoms and root 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.

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 Weldon Spring, 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 Weldon Spring, 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. Take control of your life again—contact Axes Physical Therapy in Weldon Spring, MO today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery!