The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Neck Pain
Physiotherapy is an effective and natural way to resolve symptoms of neck pain. Here’s how!
If you’ve experienced neck pain, you probably understand the frustrations of constantly stretching your neck and trying different ways to find relief. Neck pain can interfere with your life and get in the way of normal activities, especially if your pain is chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks). Fortunately, neck pain can be managed with physiotherapy treatment.
Our physiotherapists at Stonegate Physiotherapy in Airdrie are no strangers to neck pain. We strive to help you resolve symptoms with care plans that can reduce pain and enhance your overall quality of life.
How Does Neck Pain Feel?
Neck pain symptoms vary depending on the person and their health factors. However, people with this condition typically describe the pain as:
- Sharp
- Dull
- Stabbing
- Stiff
- Aching
- Throbbing
Neck pain can also cause the following signs:
- Inability to bend or rotate the neck.
- Muscle tension in the upper back and neck areas
- Trouble looking up or over the shoulder.
- Weak arm and shoulder muscles.
- Inability to stay in one position for a long period of time due to pain.
There are some scenarios that may indicate your neck pain is something else. If you’re experiencing fever, migraines, intense pain or inability to move the neck, or pain that travels down your left arm, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
Treatments & What to Expect
Physiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for neck pain. Our care plans at Stonegate Physiotherapy and Massage are used to improve your range of motion, reduce pain, and educate you on how to manage symptoms. Recovery goals are best achieved through active exercises that are designed to work the neck and surrounding muscles.
We will begin with a comprehensive analysis of your condition and the severity of your neck pain. This initial appointment will address your medical history, lifestyle habits, and general health factors that could be contributing to your pain. Following the assessment, your physiotherapist will design a treatment plan that is customized to your unique needs.
Techniques that we use for neck pain include:
- Neck stretches: Specific stretches may be prescribed to train the muscles attached to the cervical spine. Common stretches may include chin tucks, extensions, and neck rotations.
- Manual Therapy: Manual (hands-on) techniques in therapy include:
- Mobilization: This technique works by guiding the joints and surrounding tissues with mild to strong forces at different speeds. Your physiotherapist may use mobilization to reduce pain and restore mobility in the joints.
- Postural Correction: Have you ever had neck pain from looking down at your phone for too long? If you have a job that includes sitting for long periods of time or frequently use technology, you may be at risk of building bad posture habits. If this seems to be an issue, your physiotherapist will help you correct your posture to improve neck pain.
- Ice and/or heat therapy: Ice may be applied to help reduce pain. Heat packs can increase blood flow and ease stiff muscles. In some cases, heat and cold therapy may be alternated, or your physiotherapist will use only one method.
- Education: Your physiotherapist will teach you how to manage neck pain at home in between sessions at the clinic. They will also design an at-home exercise or stretching program that can help you maintain your recovery.
Find Relief at Stonegate Physiotherapy and Massage Today.
No one should have to deal with neck pain! Our physiotherapists understand how challenging it can be to deal with this condition, which is why we offer comprehensive treatment plans to address and resolve your symptoms.
If you’ve been victim to neck pain, call our team at Stonegate Physiotherapy in Airdrie to learn more and schedule an appointment!