Does physical therapy for neck pain really work?

physical therapy for neck pain

You have a few different options when it comes to treating neck pain. For many people with minor pain, simply using an over-the-counter medication may be good enough. For others with more intense or long-lasting pain, treatment from a professional may be necessary.

Some professional treatments involve invasive procedures or the use or more powerful medication that can cause unwanted side effects. However, there’s also physical therapy, which is a professional treatment that can help reduce neck pain without the unwanted side effects.

Strength and flexibility matters

A core part of many physical therapy treatments for neck pain is to improve the strength and flexibility of your muscles and soft tissue. This is important for several reasons:

  • Stronger and more flexible muscles are less prone to pain themselves. If you’re suffering from chronic pain and tension in your muscles, strength and flexibility exercises can help make this go away.
  • Stronger and more flexible muscles provide better support. Conditions affecting the spine or the nerves running through it can be aggravated by increased pressure caused by weak and stiff muscles. Stronger and more flexible muscles provide better support for the neck and head while reducing pressure off the spine.
  • Stronger and more flexible muscles help prevent headaches. Pain in your neck can spread through the nerves into your head. This is a common cause of headaches. Physical therapy can help improve the strength and flexibility of your muscles to help keep this from happening.

Physical therapy is more than strength and flexibility

Strength and flexibility exercises are an important part of many physical therapy treatments, but there’s more to physical therapy than that. Physical therapists specialize in a wide range of techniques and treatment methods that can help reduce and prevent neck pain, including:

  • Soft tissue mobilization
  • Joint mobilization
  • Posture guidance
  • Patient education and more

Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy today for physical therapy for neck pain

Do you suffer from constant neck pain that even spreads into your head? Our team at Whatcom Physical Therapy is here for you. We can provide a personalized treatment to help you reduce your pain and reach your recovery goals. Contact our team today for more information about pelvic health physical therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.