How Does Physical Therapy Help a Slipped Disc?
A herniated disc—sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc—can cause intense pain, numbness, weakness, and reduced mobility. This condition occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the tougher outer layer, irritating nearby nerves. While some cases may require surgical intervention, physical therapy is often one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for managing and recovering from a herniated disc.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing the pain and mobility issues caused by a herniated disc. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and restore function while avoiding movements that could worsen the condition. Here’s how physical therapy can help:
- Pain Relief Without Medication – A physical therapist can use gentle stretching, manual therapy, and targeted exercises to alleviate pressure on the affected nerve and provide natural pain relief.
- Improving Posture and Movement Patterns – Poor posture and improper body mechanics often contribute to herniated disc pain. Physical therapy helps correct alignment and movement habits to prevent further strain.
- Enhancing Flexibility and Mobility – Tight muscles can put additional stress on the spine. A customized therapy plan will increase flexibility to relieve tension and improve overall mobility.
- Avoiding Surgery – In many cases, consistent physical therapy can resolve symptoms without the need for surgical intervention, allowing patients to return to daily activities with less pain.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy for a Herniated Disc
At Superior Spine Care, our physical therapy program is personalized to address each patient’s unique condition and goals. Your therapy sessions may include:
- MRI Review – If you’ve had an MRI, we can review your MRI report with you, helping you understand your condition and how physical therapy can address it.
- Spinal Decompression Therapy – A specialized treatment that gently stretches the spine to relieve nerve pressure and improve disc health.
- Core and Strengthening Exercises – Strengthening the abdominal and back muscles to support proper spinal alignment.
- A Home Exercise Plan – A home exercise plan is normally included so you can continue to make progress between visits, reinforcing what you learn in therapy sessions.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the herniation, but many patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks of consistent therapy. Continued strengthening and proper movement habits can help prevent future flare-ups and keep your spine healthy.
Schedule a Physical Therapy Evaluation Today
If you’re struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited movement due to a herniated disc, physical therapy may be the key to your recovery. Schedule a physical therapy evaluation with Chrissy at Superior Spine Care today and take the first step toward relieving your pain and restoring your mobility!
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WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH OUR TEAM:
At Superior Spine Care we are proud of our patient relationships and the excellent reviews they leave us. We look forward to providing you with the same 5-star level of chiropractic, massage, physical therapy or acupuncture care!
HEALTH SERVICES AT SUPERIOR SPINE CARE:
CHIROPRACTIC
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Neil Wensink has years of training and experience in spinal adjustments and manipulation and provides advanced spinal correction combining state of the art chiropractic techniques with traditional tried and true methods. Never in the history of chiropractic have we been able to provide the level of help and expertise that now exists. These newer correction methods are more effective and more comfortable than ever before.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy aids in patients’ rehabilitation by focusing on manipulating and realigning the deepest layer of muscles and connective tissue. It is the most beneficial therapy to release chronic muscle spasms. At Superior Spine Care we provide specific massage and muscular therapy tailored to meet the patient’s condition and injury. The benefits of massage therapy include increased blood circulation, reduced swelling, relaxed muscles and pain relief.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy is the treatment or management of physical disability, movement, malfunction, or pain, without the use of medicine or surgery. With many years of experience and continuing education, Chrissy employs a variety of different physical therapy modalities to personalize your treatment program with a specialty in using Myofascial Release Technique to help alleviate acute and chronic pain.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese-based approach to treating a variety of health conditions. It works by triggering different points on the skin with small, one-time use, stainless steel micro-filament needles. It is based on the idea that a blockage, or disturbance, in the body’s flow of Qi (pronounced as “chee”) can cause heath issues. Dr. Chester Dickerson, Superior Spine Care’s Licensed Acupuncturist, Therapist, inserts thin needles at specific points to help with pain relief and restore proper energy flow.
