Dealing with a herniated disc can be challenging, affecting daily life and mobility. Physical therapy emerges as a game-changer in managing this condition, offering a non-invasive approach to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life. Here, we’ll explore what a herniated disc is, its common symptoms, and how physical therapy for herniated disc can help.
What Is a Herniated Disk?
The human spine is made of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Each vertebra has a cushion-like piece in between called an “intervertebral disk.” This disk is soft and flexible for younger people below 30 years of age. However, as they go beyond this age, the disk begins to lose some flexibility. And, sometimes, there arises a situation in which when you apply pressure to the spine, the annulus fibrosus (outer part of the disk) can tear, and the gelatin-like core leaks through the tear. This gelatin leaking or bulging is called a herniated disk.
What Are The Common Symptoms of Herniated Disk?
Check for these symptoms of a herniated disk –
Burning pain in the back, neck, legs or arms.
Numbness or tingling sensations in the shoulders, arms, or legs.
The weakening of muscles makes it difficult to carry or lift objects.
Finding it challenging to stand up straight or be stuck in a position.
Finding it difficult to move up from a chair.
How Physical Therapy Helps Herniated Discs?
Physical therapy for herniated discs can work wonders. Go to your physiotherapist and tell him your problems in detail. He will design a specific treatment for herniated discs for your speedy recovery. The herniated disc treatment physical therapy will also include some set of exercises that you can do at home so that you can return to your normal lifestyle soon. Generally, it takes 2-8 weeks or less to achieve the results if proper posture, stretching, and techniques are followed.
Physical therapy for a herniated disc helps you in the below-mentioned conditions –
Alleviate pressure on affected nerves.
Strengthen surrounding muscles for better support.
Improve flexibility and spinal alignment.
Enhance blood flow for faster healing.
Prevent recurrence by teaching proper body mechanics.
Effective Physical Therapies for Herniated Discs
There are several techniques of physical therapy for herniated discs that can prove effective in treating you. Some of them are –
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is an ideal spinal disc herniation physical therapy. It uses pressure to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain. It becomes all the more helpful in easing out muscle spasms due to nerve irritation.
Hydrotherapy
The next in the list of herniated disc treatment for physical therapy is hydrotherapy. In passive hydrotherapy treatment, the patient has to sit in a warm shower or whirlpool bath. This results in relieving pain and relaxation of muscles. On the other hand, active hydrotherapy involves water aerobics to ease your body’s condition without unnecessary stress.
Traction
Spinal traction aims to reduce the pain and effects of gravity on the spine. Gently stretching the spine creates space between the vertebrae, which reduces nerve compression. The physiotherapist can perform the traction in the lumbar or cervical spine that improves mobility.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy relieves the pressure on the nerves in your spine. It also reduces the pain and inflammation associated with disc bulges and disc herniations. Check out our Osteopathy Brampton services for comprehensive care options.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a treatment for herniated discs that helps people to relax, improves blood circulation, releases tension from their muscles, and supports their overall healing. It alleviates the pain associated with a herniated disc by relaxing the muscles and releasing endorphins.
Benefits of Opting for Physiotherapy
Physical therapy for herniated discs offers numerous benefits, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes. Some key advantages include –
Pain Management
Targeted exercises and techniques reduce pain without relying on medications.
Muscle Strengthening
Physical therapy for herniated discs builds core and back muscles, offering better spinal support.
Enhanced Flexibility
Improved mobility and flexibility help reduce stiffness and prevent future injuries.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Avoiding surgery, physical therapy focuses on natural healing and functional restoration.
Preventative Education
Therapists teach posture, lifting techniques, and ergonomic habits to prevent recurrence.
Final Thoughts
A herniated disc doesn’t have to define your life. Physical therapy for herniated discs can reclaim your mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen your body to prevent future complications. From deep tissue massage to hydrotherapy, these herniated disk physical therapies empower you to recover and thrive.
Contact RMT Movement today to explore customized Physiotherapy solutions for herniated discs. Your road to recovery begins here!
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