Slipped and Bulging Disc Physiotherapy in Clapham
Back pain, sciatica, tingling or numbness after a slipped or bulging disc? Most discs improve without surgery, and the right physiotherapy can help you recover with confidence. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Slipped, Bulging and Herniated Discs
As part of our back pain physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats slipped, bulging and herniated discs in Clapham, helping you ease pain, move with confidence and get back to everyday life.
What Is a Slipped Disc?
The discs between the bones of your spine act as cushions. According to the NHS, a slipped disc is when one of these soft cushions bulges outwards and can press on nearby nerves. It’s also called a bulging, herniated or prolapsed disc.
The NHS also notes that many people have disc changes on a scan without any symptoms, so a disc bulge isn’t always the cause of pain.
Slipped Disc Symptoms
- Lower back or neck pain
- Pain spreading into your buttock, leg or foot (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles
- Difficulty bending or straightening
- Weakness in your leg
Read more about sciatica.
Will It Get Better?
Yes, for most people. The NHS says slipped discs usually get better slowly with rest, gentle exercise and painkillers, and that surgery isn’t usually needed.
Recovery takes time, but staying active and building strength gradually makes a real difference.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Advice on positions and movements to ease pain
- Gentle exercises to reduce leg symptoms and restore movement
- Progressive strengthening for your back, hips and core
- Hands-on treatment where helpful
- A step-by-step plan to return to work, exercise and lifting
Staying Active With a Slipped Disc
The NHS recommends staying active with gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, rather than resting in bed. Keep moving within comfort, and build up gradually.
Discs, Pregnancy and Lifting Your Baby
Lifting, carrying and feeding a baby while your core is recovering can put extra load on your back. Olivia can help you find comfortable ways to lift, feed and carry, and rebuild your strength. Read more about postnatal physiotherapy.
When to Get Urgent Help
The NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E if you have back pain with:
- Numbness around your bottom or genitals
- Numbness or weakness in both legs
- Difficulty peeing, or loss of control of your bladder or bowels
These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs emergency treatment. See your GP if your pain isn’t improving, or comes with unexplained weight loss or a high temperature.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, how they started, any scans so far and your goals
- Assess your back, pelvis and hips, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Slipped Disc FAQs
- How long does a slipped disc take to heal?
It varies, but most people improve gradually over weeks to a few months with gentle exercise and staying active. Leg symptoms can take longer to settle than back pain.
- Is a bulging disc the same as a slipped disc?
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably, along with herniated or prolapsed disc. They all describe a disc that has bulged out and may irritate a nearby nerve.
- Should I rest with a slipped disc?
Short periods of rest are fine if pain is severe, but the NHS advises staying active with gentle exercise, as long periods of bed rest can slow recovery.
- Will I need surgery for a slipped disc?
Most people don’t. Surgery may be considered if symptoms don’t improve with other treatment or if leg weakness gets worse. Your GP can refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Do I need a scan?
Not usually. Many people have disc changes on scans without pain. Your GP or a specialist may suggest a scan if symptoms are severe, getting worse or not improving.
- Do I need a referral for slipped disc physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP or consultant if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.