Herniated Disc Treatment Wilbur Park, MO. A herniated disc can disrupt your routine, but recovery is within reach with the proper care. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are experts in scientifically-backed treatments personalized to your individual requirements, whether you’re dealing with slight pain or intense pain. Our committed physical therapy team in Wilbur Park, MO is committed to supporting your healing non-surgically, using personalized plans designed to reduce pain, improve movement, and get you back to the life you love.

Take control of your recovery and start feeling better today with Axes Physical Therapy in Wilbur Park, MO. Request 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 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 severe cases, it can even cause 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: Sharp, spreading pain in the lumbar region (lumbar herniation) or cervical area (cervical herniation), often spreading to the limbs (sciatica).
• Numbness or tingling: This is commonly experienced in the arms, legs, hands, or feet due to nerve compression.
• Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness often manifests in the arms or legs, which can signal a more severe form of nerve compression.

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: 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: Maintaining poor posture over extended periods can add unnecessary pressure to the spine.

Early intervention is critical. At Axes Physical Therapy in Wilbur Park, MO, we carry out an in-depth assessment of your posture, movement, reflexes, and spinal health to assess the severity and precise location of the herniated disc. This enables us to create a treatment plan customized for your unique condition, getting you started on your healing journey quickly and effectively.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Wilbur Park, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we offer conservative approaches to treating herniated discs in Wilbur Park, MO. Our goal is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and boost your well-being, all while preventing the need for invasive procedures.

The Evaluation Process

At Axes Physical Therapy in Wilbur Park, 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 includes assessing various factors like posture, range of motion, and nerve function.

• Posture analysis: Evaluating any posture misalignments that might be affecting your spine and overall condition.
• 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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. 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.

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 Wilbur Park, MO

In some cases, surgery may be needed for herniated discs, particularly when conservative treatments don’t provide relief. At Axes, we help Wilbur Park, 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: Focusing on building strength and flexibility in your body to promote a faster recovery once surgery is complete.
• Reducing pain and inflammation: Using therapies that can help ease discomfort in the days leading up to surgery.

Post-Surgery Therapy:

After surgery, physical therapy becomes an important part of restoring function and getting you back to full strength. We design post-surgical rehab plans with a 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 Wilbur Park, MO, pain-free and without restrictions.

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, our approach to treating herniated discs goes beyond simple pain relief. In Wilbur Park, 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: Every treatment plan is personalized to the individual, ensuring that both their physical and emotional health are prioritized.
• 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 Wilbur Park, 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 Wilbur Park, 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 Wilbur Park, MO today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to recovery!