Physical Therapy Services That Could Help Your Neck Pain

Neck pain is a fairly common complaint. It can result after an injury or after surgery. Chronic neck pain might also be caused by poor posture, especially when hunched over a tablet or phone. Physical therapy services can often help with neck pain. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and stiffness while improving flexibility. Here are some physical therapy services that can help your neck.

1. Pain-Relieving Treatments

A physical therapist provides different types of therapy that help reduce pain. Some involve heat: the therapist might apply heat to your neck to increase blood flow and to relax muscles. This might be done with an ultrasound device that sends heat deep into your tissues.

Ice helps too, since ice decreases inflammation, and that reduces pain. You might also receive massage treatments to relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Your therapist might give you tips for pain relief at home that include alternating ice and heat to relax muscles. Once your pain and flexibility have improved enough, your therapist may want to start neck exercises.

2. Exercises For Your Neck And Body

Your therapist may teach specific exercises that stretch and strengthen your neck. It's important to do the exercises properly and as often as your therapist recommends. You'll probably learn them under supervision, and then practice the exercises at home.

You might also be taught exercises that strengthen your back so your spine and neck have more support. General exercise such as swimming and aerobic activity may help too as these condition your body and enhance circulation.

If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you may be encouraged to become more active so your muscles don't have a chance to get weak. Your head weighs more than you might think, so your neck is under a lot of strain to support it properly if the muscles are weak or out of balance.

3. Posture Improvement

If your neck pain is caused by poor posture, your therapist may work on improving your posture through exercises that support your back and core. They might also teach you the proper way to sit, walk, and stand so your neck is supported. They can teach you about ergonomics and how to set up your computer station so you don't strain your neck.

Your therapist and doctor may want you to avoid wearing a soft neck collar unless you have a neck injury since a collar can weaken your neck and make it more susceptible to injury. Instead, strengthening your neck through physical therapy could be the best way to manage your neck pain.