A physical therapist can play a role in assessing, treating, and managing neck pain.
When you visit a physical therapist for neck pain, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Evaluation – The physical therapist will thoroughly evaluate the cause and extent of your neck pain. They will ask about your medical history, recent injuries, and specific details about your pain, such as its location, intensity, and aggravating or relieving factors.
- Range of Motion Assessment – The therapist will assess your neck’s range of motion to identify any restrictions or limitations in movement.
- Strength Testing – They may test the strength of the muscles in your neck and surrounding areas to evaluate muscle imbalances or weaknesses that could contribute to your pain.
- Posture Analysis – The physical therapist will assess your posture to determine if poor posture may contribute to your neck pain.
- Manual Therapy Techniques – Depending on the assessment, the physical therapist may use various hands-on techniques to improve neck mobility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. These may include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation.
- Therapeutic Exercises – The physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program to address your needs. These exercises may focus on stretching and strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles to improve flexibility, stability, and posture.
- Postural Re-Education – The therapist will educate you on proper ergonomics and body mechanics to help you maintain good posture during daily activities and reduce strain on your neck.
- Pain Management Techniques – Physical therapists may use heat or ice therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or traction to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Education & Self-Care – The therapist will provide instruction on lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies to prevent future episodes of neck pain and promote overall neck health.
- Progress Tracking – Throughout your treatment, the physical therapist will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Follow your physical therapist’s recommendations and be consistent with the prescribed exercises and lifestyle modifications to achieve the best results in managing and reducing neck pain.
