Physical Therapy For Herniated Discs

In addition to medication treatments and surgical procedures, a doctor will often recommend a non-invasive rehabilitation program for herniated discs. The aim of physical therapy for herniated discs is to reduce discomfort due to inflammation and pain, followed by improving muscle strength and flexibility.

A program of physical therapy for herniated discs normally, occurs over six weeks, twice or three times a week, and should only be conducted by a trained, qualified therapist.

Types of physical therapy

Physical therapy for herniated discs is generally of two kinds: passive and active. Passive physiotherapy is used to relax the body and muscle tissue. Active physiotherapy boosts body functioning in the areas of posture, joint movement, flexibility, posture, core strength.

Passive physiotherapy is normally the first approach as the patient is initially experiencing much soreness and pain. A combination of the following treatments is often applied based on the type of injury and the doctor's recommendations.

Hot and cold therapy: Hot therapy increases blood flow to the target area, providing extra oxygen and nutrients for healing, and removing waste compounds caused by muscle spasms. Cold therapy (crypotherapy) such as ice packs or fluoromethane spray, cools the injured area and reduces circulation speed to minimize inflammation, pain and muscle spasms. Sometimes hot and cold therapies are used together in alteration.

Deep Tissue Massage: This method involves applying pressure to alleviate muscle spasms and deep tissue tension, conditions that hinder smooth function of the muscle.

Hydrotherapy: As the names suggests, this method uses water. A patient is immersed in a pool of heated water, a whirlpool bath or warm shower. Hydrotherapy relieves pain and relaxes the muscles.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): The electrodes from the TENS machine are taped to the skin and send a small electrical currents into the muscle without causing any pain. TENS reduces muscle spasms and aids in the release of endorphins - the natural hormones that deal with pain.

Traction: This therapy involves careful tugging of the back bones to counter the effects of gravity and minimize the disc hernia (bulging). It is performed on the lumbar or cervical vertebrae.

Active physical therapy for herniated discs occurs once the pain has been stabilized. It is done in a fitness-like environment where the therapist will train the patient on certain machines such as upright bicycles and muscle-exercising contraptions. The active physical therapy has the following effects:

Muscle strengthening: Rebuilding muscle strength to support the back bone and alleviate the pain.

Flexibility: The person is taught aerobics and exercises that stretch out the muscles and make them more supple. Flexibility averts stiffness and aids in easier body movement.

Core stability: This method works to boost the core (abdominal) muscles that are so important to overall spinal health. Strong abdominal muscles support the spine and when they are weak, unnecessary pressure is exerted on your back. The therapist will guide you through core-strengthening exercises.

Body toning: As opposed to passive hydrotherapy for relaxation, water aerobics are used build up the condition and tone of the muscles without exerting undue stress.