L5-S1 Disc Injury Exercises

Today's video covers L5-S1 disc exercises. L5-S1 nerve root compromise is a common cause of lower back and leg pain, often resulting from a disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes that place pressure on the S1 nerve root as it exits the spine. This condition can lead to symptoms such as sharp or burning pain radiating down the back of the leg, numbness or tingling in the calf or outer foot, and weakness in the gluteal muscles or calf, particularly with plantarflexion (pushing the foot downward). In more severe cases, individuals may experience difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods due to nerve-related motor deficits.

Physical therapy plays a key role in managing L5-S1 nerve compromise by helping to reduce nerve irritation, improve mobility, and restore strength in the affected areas. Treatment often begins with pain-relieving strategies such as directional preference exercises (e.g., lumbar extension), gentle neural mobility drills, and postural modifications to offload the affected nerve root. As symptoms improve, therapy progresses to include core stabilization, lower limb strengthening, and movement retraining to support long-term recovery and prevent recurrence. In this video, we’ll review the hallmark signs of L5-S1 nerve root involvement and demonstrate physical therapy exercises designed to support nerve healing and restore function.

Lumbar Disc Herniation Video:    • 3 Exercises for a Low Back (Lumbar) Disc B...  
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00:00 Introduction
00:20 Where is the L5-S1 Area?
01:35 Exercise 1: Calf Muscle Mobilization
02:57 Exercise 2: Nerve Flossing Mobilization
05:02 Exercise 3: Calf Muscle (S1) Strengthening