Physical Therapy Specialists for Herniated Disks in Neck and Back

Searching to find natural relief and recovery from a herniated disk? You may have been pointed to physical therapy, but as with most things, finding the right professional is a key starting point on the road to recovery. Our award-winning practice, Release Physical Therapy,  is dedicated to providing personalized physical therapy to every single patient. We work alongside our patients, celebrating the small wins along the way, all while constantly working toward your goals. We have three locations, two in Washington, D.C. (West End and Downtown) and one in Tysons, Virginia. 

Read on to learn more about what to expect from our physical therapy services for a herniated disk, but remember, we know that your case will be unique, as no two people or problems are the same. When you’re ready, contact your physical therapist at Release Physical Therapy and merge onto the road to better health.

What do they do in physical therapy for a herniated disk in the lower back?

Your physical therapist at Release Physical Therapy will first want to learn more about your herniated disk and how it’s impacting you. With your insight, your physical therapist can coordinate a hands-on physical therapy program specifically for your recovery. Overall, our goal is to decrease pain while helping you get back to living more. As you witness your improvement, you, too will start to trust in our expertise and process.

Physical therapy for a herniated disk includes a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and your goals and your physical therapist will create an individualized plan of care just for you. At Release Physical Therapy, we specialize in manual therapy, especially the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). This is a specialized physical therapy approach that is often used for treating disk-related lower back pain. This method involves a series of exercises that aim to centralize or reduce the pain. The idea is to move the pain away from the extremities (like the legs) towards the back, where it is easier to manage. The McKenzie Method also emphasizes the importance of self-care and patient education. Patients are taught how to perform the exercises at home and how to adjust their postures and movements to prevent future episodes of back pain.

What do physical therapists do for a herniated disk in the neck?

Herniated disks in the neck can put pressure on spinal nerves, creating significant pain in your neck, upper back, shoulder and/or arm.  While pain from a herniated disk in the neck is generally described like this, your symptoms or pain may vary, and if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should reach out to your physical therapist at Release for an appointment today. 

Being surprised by sharp and intense pain can feel restrictive and frustrating, and we want to work to help you regain strength so you can live your life. Your Release Physical Therapist can develop a personalized plan to help you find relief while reducing symptoms. We help you rebuild strength slowly, starting at whatever physical state you are in. For example, some patients may be more flexible than others, therefore, they can practice different stretches or exercises. Whether you’re certain of your diagnosis or not, contact Release Physical Therapy today to get on the road to recovery.

Can physical therapy fix a herniated disk?

Physical therapy and herniated disks work well together. Since most herniated disks don’t require surgery, but the need to regain normal movement without pain is present, you will need a solution. Physical therapy can be the solution. As you might already know from talking to other individuals with a herniated disk, everyone’s experience can be different. You might be wondering why you experience different pain than someone else, or why certain movements are harder for you than someone else. The truth is, you are you, and we see you. Comparing yourself to others is not an effective part of finding the best version of yourself. Work with your Release Physical Therapist to discover a total body physical therapy plan customized just for you.

Is herniated disk physical therapy safe for people of all ages?

Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages, even if they don’t have pain or discomfort. Some of us don’t tune into areas of discomfort until later in life. But, what if you could have seen these discomforts coming? Physical therapy is a valuable way to learn about your body and keep it working as it should. From posture to stretching, to dedicated “me” time, physical therapy is a healthy activity that you can start now. Our team of physical therapists can work with you long-term to get to know you and your body, and support you through all seasons of life. Meet our team and choose the physical therapist you feel is the right match.

How often should someone do physical therapy for a herniated disk?

The frequency recommended for physical therapy for a herniated disk can vary, depending on the circumstances. It can also vary depending on what your goals are. Physical therapy may start as a way to treat your herniated disk, but for many, it turns into the key to living a better life. Work with our expert team of authentic physical therapists to determine the frequency that best aligns with your situation and goals. Our team of physical therapists uses a customized, hands-on approach, rather than machines or standard therapy routines. Start with a consultation where we will listen to everything you express to create just the right physical therapy plan for you. 

What exercise is best for herniated disk injuries?

Finding pain relief or recovery from a herniated disk is not as simple as doing one exercise. Furthermore, you might have a herniated disk similar to another patient, but the two patients are not the same. Your flexibility and overall health may be better, and therefore, your physical therapy journey may have a different starting point. Work with your Release Physical Therapist to find the best exercises to help your herniated disk. Speak up about what is helping the most, because how you’re feeling matters the most to us.

What exercises should be avoided when you have a herniated disk?

When you work with our team of expert physical therapists, you can trust in our guidance. We will help you understand what you should and should not do, in and out of physical therapy. Together, we will work toward the same goal: recovery. Our goal for you in the clinic is to reduce and centralize the pain and teach you the best positions and exercises you can take home with you to help relieve your pain long term.

How long does herniated disk physical therapy take to see results?

Treatment timelines can truly vary, but with the right physical therapy plan and physical therapist, results will come in time. We expect most patients to start seeing results within 6-8 weeks, but each patient’s journey differs. As you work with your Release Physical Therapist, tell them how you feel. Use your time together as a way to connect, so they can grow with you and really get to know you. The better your physical therapist understands you and your body, the better they can work for you. Remember, we chose the profession of physical therapy with the sole intent of helping others live a healthier, happier, and more comfortable lifestyle. Ready to feel better? Contact Release Physical Therapy today!