Healing Your Herniated Disc at Home
Herniated discs can happen to anyone, though they’re most common between the ages of 20 and 50. Whether you’ve been in a car accident, had a sports-related injury, or age has helped wear one of your discs down, it’s important to help it heal so you don’t suffer in pain or sustain another injury.
Thankfully, in most cases, a herniated disc can easily be fixed without surgery. Physical therapy can help your herniated disc recovery. Discover a physical therapy solution for your herniated disc right in your own home. Let one of our licensed physical therapists help you get back on your feet using one of these in-home treatments. Depending on your needs, your physical therapist may use passive or active forms of treatment.
– Deep tissue massage
One form of passive physical therapy treatment is a deep tissue massage. It’s the best type of massage for a herniated disc because it relieves the muscle tensions and spasms down deep that a regular massage doesn’t reach.
– Hot and cold therapy
Using both heat and cold can really help soothe a herniated disc. Heat helps boost blood flow to the injured area which gives it more oxygen and carts away waste from those muscle spasms, helping the area heal. Cold helps by slowing circulation which reduces inflammation, spasms, and pain. Alternating between both can have a wonderful healing effect.
– TENS therapy
TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a type of machine that gives off an electrical current to stimulate muscles. It’s not painful though it sounds like it might be. This helps reduce your spasms and helps trigger endorphin release to naturally soothe your pain.
– Core stability
Having a strong core is critical for good spinal health. With a strengthened core, it supports your spine. A physical therapist can come to your home and show you how to do these important strengthening exercises which will keep your back strong and prevent future injuries.
– Flexibility exercises
Stretching is so important for healthy muscles and your overall vitality. It may seem simple, but performing them properly is the key to building up your strength and keeping mobile.
– Muscle strengthening
As your herniated disc recovers, your physical therapist will help show you how to build all the muscles in your body. This will ensure that you keep your back strong and healthy because all your muscles work together in your body. When any muscle group is weak, especially your back, it can’t support you as well, leaving you more vulnerable to injuries.
Get help with your herniated disc right in your own home. Our expert physical therapists can come to you to show you how to resolve your pain issues naturally and build your strength back up again.