Can we help after a herniated-disc diagnosis?
A herniated-disc report does not tell us everything about what you can do or how you will recover. We assess your symptoms, movement and relevant nerve findings, then work with you on comfortable activity and strength. McKenzie assessment and pain education help turn the diagnosis into practical next steps.
No referral needed · Dedicated one-on-one PT
Dr. Emily Warren, DPT, Cert. MDT — McKenzie certified.
In-person PT in Holladay, serving Greater Salt Lake City. Virtual coaching from anywhere.
Bring your questions, your MRI report if you have one and the activities you want back. We’ll look at how you’re moving and feeling, explain what we find and help you begin a manageable plan. You don’t have to make sense of the diagnosis on your own.
Feeling less afraid while working through disc recovery
Rachael Combe describes feeling stuck in disc recovery and worried about reinjury. In her Google review, she shares how Dr. Emily’s support and goal-setting helped her feel less afraid as she worked toward recovery. That confidence matters: being able to think about what you want to do again and take a step toward it.
We make room for those worries in your care. You can tell us which movements make you nervous, ask about your scan and practice the next step with us beside you.
Rachael is sharing her own experience. Your goals and response will guide our work together.
Hear Dr. Emily explain pain and imaging
A disc diagnosis can feel overwhelming. We help you connect what your scan says with what you can do today and the goals you want to work toward.
Your scan is one part of the story
Dr. Emily uses a simple overflowing-cup analogy to explain how imaging findings, activity, sleep, stress and sensitivity can contribute to pain. We connect your scan with your symptoms and assessment so you have a clearer idea of what to work on.
Key points from the video
- Dr. Emily uses an overflowing-cup analogy to explain how several factors can contribute to pain.
- Imaging findings, activity, sleep, stress and sensitivity can all be part of the picture.
- The message is that you may have options for improving pain and activity without having to change every scan finding.
What a herniated disc means
A herniation is a localized displacement of disc material beyond its usual boundary. It can irritate a nearby nerve and contribute to back pain or radiating leg symptoms. Some findings are not associated with symptoms, so the scan must be interpreted alongside the examination.
See our explanations of herniated versus bulging discs and what to ask after an MRI.
Your first assessment: understand the scan and practice a plan
Your first 60-minute appointment is one-on-one with Dr. Emily Warren, DPT, Cert. MDT. We make room for questions about the diagnosis and the movements that worry you, then connect the scan with your symptoms, nerve-related findings and daily function.
- Hear the pattern: when symptoms began, where they travel, what changes them and what previous care has helped.
- Compare movement: examine relevant strength and sensation, then check selected movements or positions and a task such as standing up or walking.
- Practice the next step: choose a manageable home plan, explain the starting amount and agree on the changes to notice before follow-up.
Bring an existing report or exercise program if you have one. No referral is needed to arrange care, and you do not have to interpret the MRI on your own.
From a disc diagnosis to a usable home plan
Your plan should make everyday life easier. We begin with what you are missing, whether that is sleeping more comfortably, lifting your child or returning to the gym. Then we look for movements you can use to start making progress.
What McKenzie care can look like
We compare selected movements or positions and check what changes afterward, such as how it feels to stand up or walk. If a movement helps, we practice it together and explain how to use it at home. McKenzie care helps us choose based on your response; it is much more than handing you a sheet of back extensions.
Three practical steps between visits
- Change one demand at a time. For a difficult workday, first try breaking up prolonged sitting with a comfortable change of position rather than adding several new stretches.
- Keep a brief activity record. Note what you did, where leg symptoms traveled and how you felt afterward. This helps us distinguish temporary relief from a change that carries into daily life.
- Practice the next task in stages. When appropriate, lifting practice might begin with an unloaded movement, then a light object close to the body, before increasing the demand. Your examination and response determine the starting point.
Pain education helps us talk through what the MRI language means for your life and how to approach movement with more confidence. As you improve, we help you build toward the tasks you want back. Read about disc-recovery milestones.
How treatment is selected
We combine McKenzie assessment with pain education and gradual strength training. You’ll know why we chose an exercise, how it fits your day and what to do if your symptoms change.
Your plan can include activity adjustments, specific movement practice and progressive strengthening matched to your response. A home plan should explain both what to try and when to stop or seek advice.
When symptoms move out of the leg toward the back, clinicians may call this centralization. This symptom response can help guide care alongside your strength, sensation and function.
How we move from early relief to the activities you miss
We begin with a useful response: less intrusive leg symptoms, easier standing or a more comfortable walk. We then check whether it carries into your day and use it to build the strength and stamina for work, lifting and exercise.
- Symptoms: where discomfort travels, how quickly it settles and whether strength or sensation changes.
- A meaningful task: how long you can drive, the walking route you can manage or the stage of a lifting task that feels comfortable.
- Confidence and independence: knowing what to practice, how to adjust activity and when to ask us to review the plan.
We reassess if progress stalls or symptoms worsen rather than repeat the same routine. Useful recovery does not require waiting for a different MRI report. Our disc-recovery guide explains how to think about milestones.
PT, injections and surgery
If you are hoping to recover without surgery, we can help you explore what a nonsurgical plan could look like. We work on relief, movement and rebuilding strength while keeping track of your nerve-related symptoms. If you have already been offered an injection or surgery, bring those questions; we’ll discuss how PT fits alongside your medical team’s advice.
For associated muscle pain, manual therapy or dry needling may support the active plan when appropriate. We explain what each treatment is intended to help and keep the focus on the activities you want to regain.
Read about discussing surgical and nonsurgical options.
In-person and virtual appointments
In-person visits are available at 1892 S 1000 E in Salt Lake City and 4890 Highland Dr in Holladay. Contact us to confirm your appointment location.
You can also connect with us through virtual coaching for movement education and wellness goals. If clinical PT is what you need, we’ll confirm the available options for your location before booking.
When medical care comes first
Do not wait for a PT appointment if you develop new bladder or bowel control problems, saddle-area numbness or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms. Seek urgent medical help. Review our warning-sign guide for more detail.
For medical background, see the American Association of Neurological Surgeons’ herniated-disc resource.
Explore our patient guides · Appointment locations and formats
Frequently asked questions
What happens at my first herniated-disc PT appointment?
We listen to your story, assess movement and relevant nerve-related findings, and practice an initial plan with you. You’ll have time to ask about your MRI, explain what you want to do again and understand what to work on at home.
How does treatment progress beyond early pain relief?
As movement becomes more comfortable, we help you build strength and stamina for the activities you want back. We might practice a lifting task, progress your walking or work toward a sport. We check together that your exercises are helping outside the clinic.