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Disc Injury & Herniated Disc Treatment in Glen Iris

Expert physiotherapy for disc bulges, herniations, and nerve pain — available in-clinic and in your home across Glen Iris and surrounds.

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Dealing With a Disc Injury in Glen Iris?

A disc injury — whether it’s a bulge, herniation, or prolapse — can cause significant pain, stiffness, and nerve symptoms that affect your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy daily life. The good news is that the vast majority of disc injuries respond extremely well to physiotherapy.

At GRIT Physio & Podiatry in Glen Iris, our physiotherapists are experienced in assessing and treating all types of spinal disc injuries. We’ll identify the exact nature of your injury and develop a targeted treatment plan to relieve your pain and get you back to full function.

Common Conditions We Treat

  • Lumbar disc bulge (L4/L5, L5/S1 most common)
  • Cervical disc herniation (neck disc)
  • Disc prolapse with nerve root compression
  • Thoracic disc injury (mid-back)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • McKenzie Method: Evidence-based directional exercises to centralise disc-related pain and restore function.
  • Manual Therapy & Spinal Mobilisation: Targeted joint mobilisation to restore spinal mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
  • Exercise Rehabilitation: Progressive core stability and lumbar strengthening to support the injured disc.
  • Dry Needling: Trigger point release for tight paraspinal and gluteal muscles that contribute to pain.
  • Postural & Ergonomic Correction: Workstation assessment and movement retraining to reduce disc loading.
  • Education & Self-Management: Pain science education and home exercise program for long-term recovery.

Our Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Manual Therapy: Targeted spinal mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to reduce pain and restore movement.
  • McKenzie Method: Directional preference assessment to identify exercises that centralise and reduce your pain.
  • Exercise Rehabilitation: Progressive core and back strengthening to support the spine and prevent recurrence.
  • Dry Needling: Targeted needling to release deep muscle spasm and reduce referred pain.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We offer disc injury physiotherapy both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients in acute pain who find it difficult to travel.

✔ NDIS Participants Welcome
We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

📞 Call us: 9999 7271

Frequently Asked Questions

A bulge is a small outpouching of the disc, a herniation is a larger protrusion that can press on nerves, and a sequestration is when a piece of the disc breaks off. Our targeted examination will determine the exact nature of your injury to guide the most effective treatment.
Not always. Clinical assessment is often sufficient to diagnose and start treatment for a disc injury. We only refer for imaging if there are signs of serious pathology or if your pain is not responding to conservative care as expected.
The vast majority of herniated discs heal without surgery. We employ a range of advanced conservative techniques to manage your pain and facilitate healing, making surgery a last resort.
Prolonged bed rest is not recommended as it can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness, delaying recovery. We advocate for ‘active rest,’ which involves modifying your activities and performing specific exercises to promote healing.
While we cannot “un-herniate” a disc, we can significantly reduce your pain, improve your function, and create an optimal environment for the disc to heal and reabsorb. Our focus is on restoring your movement and preventing future recurrences.
We develop a comprehensive prevention strategy that includes core strengthening, postural education, ergonomic advice for your work and home, and a specific gym program. Our goal is to build your resilience and empower you with the knowledge to protect your spine long-term.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment online or call our Glen Iris clinic today.

Book Online Now

Or call us: 9999 7271