Neck pain affects nearly everyone at one time or another. Whether from sleeping in a funny position or overdoing it at the gym, we’ve all had to deal with a crick in the neck or limited range of motion for a day or two. While neck pain improves quickly for many people, for others, it can drag on and begin to seriously interfere with their quality of life.
It’s important to meet with a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment of neck pain that has not improved in a short period of time. Among other treatment options, physical therapy can be a highly effective method for many of the underlying causes of neck pain.
If you’re suffering from neck pain in St. Louis, Missouri, or the surrounding region, the caring team of experts at Excel Sports and Physical Therapy has options for you. To help you learn more, we’re sharing the following information about the neck pain treatment options a therapist can provide. For answers to any questions, please reach out to us at any time.
How physical therapy helps neck pain
Neck pain is so common because this relatively delicate part of the body has to support the full weight of our heads while facilitating basic movement. What’s more, the neck also protects the upper spinal cord as it travels from the base of the skull and branches out to the upper body. This is why so many neck injuries can also result in radiating symptoms like tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in the shoulders, arms and hands. Neck pain is also often associated with headaches.
Meeting with a physical therapist for neck pain treatment typically involves the following steps:
- A review of your medical and treatment history, along with any diagnostic testing and imagery that has been performed.
- A question-and-answer session regarding your specific symptoms and how your pain is affecting your normal activity level.
- Development of a treatment plan that can include manual therapy, massage, hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and neck strengthening exercises.
- Education about treatments and exercises you can perform at home along with lifestyle factors that can supplement in-office sessions.
By following a physical therapy plan, you can improve the long-term health of your neck and relieve pain by increasing flexibility and strength to reduce the stress being placed on it through everyday activities.
Personalized neck pain treatment at our St. Louis clinic
Excel has a talented team of physical therapists who work with patients one-on-one to create a collaborative neck pain treatment plan. We have a clinic right in St. Louis and many more locations in the surrounding area.
Make your initial appointment today when you contact one of our friendly and caring representatives.
