Herniated disc physical therapy in Chatsworth
Your MRI shows a disc problem and someone has mentioned surgery. Dr. Ed tests how you move, treats you hands-on and gives you a home program.
Is this you?
- Your MRI report says bulge or herniation.Also called a bulging disc or a slipped disc. Dr. Ed reads the report alongside how you actually move.
- Your back hurts, with or without leg symptoms.The evaluation shows whether a disc is behind it or something else, such as the hip.
- Your surgeon said to try therapy first.Dr. Ed treats disc pain and says plainly if it is time to go back to your surgeon.
- Your back pain began after lifting or sitting.A heavy lift, months at a desk, hours behind the wheel. Dr. Ed checks how your back moves and shows you what to change.
What Dr. Ed does about it
He starts with directional movement testing. You move in different directions, and he sees which ones ease your pain and which ones bring it on. Your plan is built from that.
- Hands-on treatment.Done in the clinic, to get you moving more comfortably.
- Positions that unload the disc.He finds which ones take pressure off the disc and shows you how to use them.
- Core and hip strengthening.Exercises for the muscles that are supposed to hold your spine steady.
- Posture at the desk and in the car.He looks at how you sit and drive, then shows you what to change.
Therapy is not right for every disc. If your signs say it is time to go back to your surgeon, Dr. Ed tells you so plainly.
What to expect
The first visit is an evaluation, one-on-one with Dr. Ed. He examines how you move, tells you what he found in everyday words and sets out the plan: hands-on treatment in the clinic plus a short home program that he updates at every visit.
How long it takes depends on your condition and how your body responds. Dr. Ed sets the plan after your evaluation instead of guessing a number of visits up front.
Bring your MRI report if you have one, and wear clothes you can move in. Evening and Saturday appointments are available.
Related pages
- SciaticaRead this if the pain runs down your leg more than it sits in your back.
- Pre and post-op physical therapyIf surgery does become the right call, this covers care before and after it.
- Is it the disc or the hip?How the evaluation tells a disc problem from a hip problem.
Insurance and referrals
- No referral needed to start
- California law lets you see a physical therapist without a referral for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. After that, we need a referral from your doctor to continue. Medicare patients need a referral from the start.
- Insurance
- We accept Medicare and personal injury liens. If you have PPO insurance, we provide a superbill, an itemized receipt you send to your insurer for reimbursement. Direct-pay patients are welcome.
- Visits
- Visits run about 60 minutes, depending on what you need, and every one is one-on-one with Dr. Ed.
Details and what to bring are on the insurance and cost page.
Common questions
Do I need surgery?
Most disc pain settles with therapy, so surgery is rarely the first step. Dr. Ed will say plainly if your signs say otherwise and it is time to go back to your surgeon.
Can I come in while it is flared?
Yes, and it is a good time to come. Dr. Ed adjusts the first visit to what you can tolerate, and the goal of that visit is to get you moving more comfortably, not to put you through a workout.
Should I stop exercising?
Not completely. Dr. Ed's plan says what is safe this week, and he adjusts it at each visit as you progress.
Book your disc evaluation
Tell Dr. Ed where it hurts. He will confirm your time by phone or email, usually the same day.
Prefer to talk? Call (818) 749-3205Dr. Ed answers his own phone.
19851 Nordhoff Place, Unit 105 (Suite C), Chatsworth, CA 91311
Mon to Sat 10am to 8pm, Sun closed. Free parking in the lot in front, no gate code, street parking available.
Book by phone
Call (818) 749-3205Mon to Sat 10am to 8pm, Sun closed
The online booking form opens here soon. Until then, call or email chatsworthpt@gmail.com and we confirm your time, usually the same day.
No payment is required to book.