Does physical therapy help with neck pain? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, PT can often relieve stiffness and pain associated with neck problems. Exercises designed to strengthen neck muscles can help alleviate neck pain and improve posture. PT may also include exercises involving mirrors. Read on to find out if physical therapy is right for you. Then, take the next step! Let us help you decide whether or not physical therapy will help you with your neck pain.
Neck pain may be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from muscle strain and ligament sprains to disc injury, arthritic changes, and even trauma. Physical therapists evaluate each patient’s specific neck pain to develop a treatment plan that will help relieve pain and prevent future injury. PT exercises may include strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, correct posture, joint mobilization, and nerve mobilization.
While there are many ways to treat neck pain, physical therapy can be an excellent option for most individuals. Using therapeutic exercises to strengthen the neck, improve its range of motion, and reduce stiffness are just a few of the ways physical therapists can help you. PT can even be done at home for additional convenience. By following an exercise program, you can reduce the pain in the neck and resume your normal activities without a physician’s prescription or any other medical intervention.
Another method of physical therapy is cervical traction. This procedure involves applying heat to certain areas of the neck to reduce pressure on the affected discs. The treatment can be intermittent, or continuous, or alternate between short periods of pulling and resting. If these methods are not enough, you can try electrotherapy to alleviate the pain and stiffness. But it’s always best to check with your doctor before undergoing any form of physical therapy.