Herniated and Bulging Disc Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Your MRI says "herniated disc." That doesn't mean you're broken.
Your back or neck hurts, and maybe pain shoots down your leg or arm. An MRI showed a herniated or bulging disc, and now you're worried about every movement. You've been told to rest, take pills, get a shot, or consider surgery.
You deserve clear answers and a plan that gets you moving again with confidence.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
Disc problems we treat
Herniated discs in the low back and neck
Bulging and degenerative discs
Sciatica and pain down the leg
Pinched nerves and pain down the arm
Numbness and tingling from a disc
Recovery after disc surgery
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We find which movements and positions calm your symptoms and which make them worse, then explain what's going on in clear, simple language. We track your strength with VALD force plates and dynamometry.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care, dry needling, and a progressive core and strength program, so you can move, lift, and train with confidence again.
The good news about discs
Most people with a herniated disc get better without surgery, and research shows many disc herniations shrink on their own over time. Disc bulges are also common on MRIs of people with no pain at all. The right movement and strength plan can calm symptoms and help keep them from coming back.
What our clients say
"My second injury was a reoccurring back/disc issue. I was in the cusp of back surgery… I went and saw him first (with an MRI in hand) and he saved me from surgery with stretching, exercises, and dry needling."
Kristy P. ★★★★★
"I have multiple pinched nerves in my neck due to severe disc degeneration, and my surgeon ultimately advised against surgery… Thanks to the CPT team, I now have almost zero pain and numbness."
Bret M. ★★★★★
"With over ten years of back pain and a recent flair up Brad at CPT has drastically gotten me out of pain but more importantly taught me what I need to do to stay out of pain. Going to chiropractic and pt all over for 10+ years, CPT is like no other."
Pat S. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, disc pain often flares again and again, and fear of moving makes it worse. You don't have to accept that.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
How long until my back feels better?
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often sooner. Plans of care average about 3 months, so you stay out of pain and come back stronger.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Will I need surgery?
Most people don't. When surgery is the right call, we'll tell you, and help you prepare for it and recover from it.
Should I avoid bending and lifting?
Not forever. We'll find what's comfortable now and gradually build you back to bending, lifting, and training with confidence.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Go to the emergency room right away if you have numbness in the groin or inner thighs, new loss of bladder or bowel control, or leg or arm weakness that's quickly getting worse.
More back and disc help: Lower Back Pain Rehab for Youth Tennis Players (video) · Before We Treat, We Watch You Move (video) · Back Pain for Golfers (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.