Alleviate Persistent Neck Pain With Physical Therapy
Have you ever had one of those days at work or school when your neck just won’t stop bothering you? Or maybe turning your head to check for cars is difficult or painful. Neck pain can really impact your day and make life less enjoyable. Good news! At Priority Physical Therapy, we’ve got a team that knows just how to help you feel better and give you tips to keep the pain away.
Most of the time, neck pain happens because there’s something wrong with a muscle or joint. Figuring out what the real source is can be difficult, but with the help of our experienced therapists, you can get to the root of your problems, and more importantly, get the solutions you’re looking for.
Our therapists will use treatments like specific stretches, hands-on techniques, and strength exercises that are tailored for immediate and lasting relief. Our ultimate goal? To help you return to a life you can enjoy to the fullest.
Take action today! Request an appointment and set the wheels in motion for the lasting relief you deserve.
Source of Neck Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Neck pain is a multifaceted condition, and its origins can vary widely from person to person. Whether your discomfort starts from an unfortunate car accident or something that seems insignificant, like maintaining an improper posture while working at your desk, our team can help.
What may appear to be a minor issue, such as a recurring crick in your neck, could potentially develop into a chronic issue that disrupts your daily life.
For some individuals, the issue lies deeper within the structure of the spine (for example, changes to the discs, the cushions between vertebrae). Disc degeneration can lead to pain and difficulty moving the neck, whereas problems such as bulging or herniated discs can be particularly painful and can even lead to nerve compression. This often results in additional symptoms such as sharp, radiating pain or numbness extending into the shoulders or arms.
Luckily, our physical therapists are skilled at identifying these contributing factors and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored to alleviate your specific symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Your Pathway to Relief
We’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation, including gathering as much information about your health, previous history of neck pain, and information about your most recent episode.
Next, we’ll conduct a physical examination, including a hands-on assessment of your neck and upper back muscles. We’ll assess your posture and movement patterns to identify any restrictions or limitations contributing to your pain.
Our treatment programs are built on several key elements, all aimed at facilitating the health of your neck:
- Posture Correction: Poor posture is a significant contributor to neck pain. Working with you, our therapists will guide you through the steps to correct your posture, effectively alleviating muscle strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Hands-on Therapy and Custom Exercises: Our expert therapists use specialized manual treatments to free up restrictions and alleviate tension in soft tissues. We’ll also develop personalized exercise routines aimed at targeting the source of your pain to improve mobility and strength.
- Ergonomic Evaluation: Our therapists will provide practical recommendations for your work and home environments that can help minimize any physical strain on your neck and shoulders. We will also introduce you to stress-minimizing methods that can be seamlessly integrated into your work life.
We are committed to working closely with you to craft effective, proactive programs to restore mobility and contribute to overall well-being.
Exercise of the Month
Side Tilt
- Gently tilt your head toward your right shoulder and try to touch it with your ear. Stop when you feel the stretch. Don’t raise your shoulder.
- Hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds, then return to the start position.
- Repeat on your left side. You can do several sets and work your way up to 10 repetitions.
- For extra stretch, put the hand on the same side of your tilted head on top of your head, and press lightly with your fingertips.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Neck?
Don’t let neck pain hold you back any longer. At Priority Physical Therapy, our team of experts is here to give you the personalized help you need to feel better and stay that way. Let’s work together to create a plan that fits you perfectly.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our amazing physical therapists and start your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life!
Staff Spotlight
Ruthie Kiehl, PT, DPT
Ruthie graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a BS in Exercise Science and received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri! After graduation, she returned to her hometown of Palmyra and started working at Priority Physical Therapy. Beyond work, she enjoys cooking, baking, children’s ministry, and cherishing time with her family, husband, and their dog, Penny! Ruthie and her husband also recently found out they are expecting their first child! Ruthie’s favorite part about being a PT is the positive and meaningful connections she makes with each patient. We are so blessed to have Ruthie as part of our team.
Did you know that October is National Physical Therapy Month? That’s right, there’s no better time to begin treatment for your aches and pains!
Physical therapy is a natural, safe, and effective mode of pain relief. Whether you’re suffering from an injury or chronic pain condition, you can find relief in physical therapy – without undergoing surgery or relying on prescription drugs.
Physical therapy can treat a vast variety of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Knee and hip pain
- Joint pain and arthritis
Whatever condition you are dealing with, our clinic is here to help.
At Priority Physical Therapy, our goal is to help you achieve your wellness and recovery goals so you can get back to living the life you enjoy. We will evaluate your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and any health constraints you may have before establishing an action plan for your path to recovery.
The primary goals of any physical therapy care plan are to address a patient’s physical goals, identify and treat the source of pain, maximize the patient’s ability to function independently, and prepare them for long-term success.
These outcomes are achievable through the use of the following physical therapy techniques:
- Neuromuscular re-education, for example, balance training
- Dry-needling, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, diathermy, orthotics and prosthetics, and Kinesio taping
- Therapeutic exercises
- Manual therapy, such as joint mobilizations and massage therapy
Are you ready to find long-term relief and stop putting up with constant discomfort and pain? Call us today to make an appointment with our team.
