Physiotherapy for a herniated disc is considered an effective and safe option for those affected. It helps reduce the need for medication and surgery in many cases. (1)


How can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for disc herniation and is often the first line that doctors recommend. (2) Physiotherapists can help you with: (2) (3)


  • Relieve pain

 Physiotherapy helps reduce back and leg pain and spasms resulting from pressure on nerves and reduces the need to use analgesics.


  • Improve movement:

Physiotherapy helps restore spinal movement without pain and improves muscle and joint flexibility, which reduces the patient's feeling of stiffness and improves his ability to carry out daily activities.


  • Muscle strengthening:

 Physiotherapy helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and abdomen, which helps improve, support, balance, and reduces the risk of disc recurrence.


  • Improve posture:

The physical therapist teaches the patient how to maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and walking, which reduces pressure on the spine.


  • Education:

The physiotherapist teaches the patient how to manage the disc and avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms, which helps speed up the healing process and prevent relapses.





Make comfort and movement part of your recovery journey.

Visit the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department at Al-Ahli Hospital, where our expert team provides advanced care for herniated disc cases—including personalized exercise plans, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and more.

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Types of Physiotherapy for people with disc herniation

The physiotherapist designs a customized treatment program for each patient based on the type of disc herniation. This program typically features exercises that can be performed at home. There are different types of Physiotherapy that have proven effective in treating herniated discs, including:


Stretching exercises

Teaching the injured person includes a set of exercises, such as stretching exercises, which can be practiced at home to strengthen the spinal muscles or increase their flexibility, thus relieving back, neck or shoulder pain. (4)


In addition, some physical therapists suggest practicing other types of light exercise, such as walking or riding a bike, to relieve the pain associated with herniated disc, as these exercises increase the secretion of endorphins (one of the natural pain relievers). (5)


Massage Therapy

The physiotherapist applies a certain degree of pressure to specific areas of the spine with the aim of relaxing and relieving pressure on them. This contributes to improving the body’s ability to move and alleviating pain and muscle spasms. (5)


Heat and cold therapy (thermotherapy and cryotherapy)

The physiotherapist applies heating pads or warm water compresses to the affected areas of the disc. This increases blood flow to these areas and relieves pain and muscle tension. This method can be useful for people who work in jobs that require them to bend over all day, which increases the sharpness of the disc herniation. (6)


Electrical stimulation therapy

In some cases, the physical therapist uses a device that sends electrical vibrations to the nerve, which helps relieve pain resulting from nerve irritation. (5)


Hydrotherapy

This type of natural treatment depends on practicing some types of exercises under warm water in order to relieve some of the symptoms associated with a herniated disc, as water helps: (7)

  • Muscle relaxation.
  • Muscle strengthening.
  • Improve joint function.
  • Relieve pain.
  • Improve balance and coordination.


Laser treatment

Using a laser during Physiotherapy sessions helps relieve inflammation within several hours to days of undergoing the session, and it also contributes to alleviating the pain associated with the disc herniation. (8)


Duration of treatment and recovery

The duration of Physiotherapy depends on the severity of the herniated disc and your progress. It typically ranges from two to eight weeks, with noticeable improvement within this timeframe if you follow the treatment plan carefully.


It's important to remember

  • While Physiotherapy is very effective, it is not a quick fix. Be patient and stick to your exercises.
  • If you feel any pain or discomfort during exercises, tell your therapist immediately.
  • Listen to your body. Do not push yourself beyond your ability, especially in the early stages.



References