Wellbridge PT. Neck Pain & Stress

Does your neck hurt? You might be suffering from stress-related pain — also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. As muscle tension tightens, the back, shoulders and neck are affected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain.

N E W S L E T T E R

Is Stress Causing Your Neck Pain?

ALSO INSIDE: HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOUR NECK PAIN PATIENT SUCCESS EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

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N E W S L E T T E R

Is Stress Causing Your Neck Pain?

they confine people to chairs, bad posture and little mobility. Driving often, too, can make your chances of stress-related neck pain higher. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests contacting a professional if you’re experiencing neck pain. Even if it’s caused by stress, untreated neck pain might later reveal muscle spasms, arthritis, bulging discs or even narrowed spinal nerve openings. Are you letting neck pain hold you back? Call 617.965.8070 (Newton) or 617.734.6135 (Brookline) to schedule your appointment today!

Does your neck hurt? You might be suffering from stress-related pain — also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. As muscle tension tightens, the back, shoulders and neck are affected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain. Is My Neck Pain Caused by Stress? Pain worsened by keeping your head in one place — like when you’re driving, or using a computer — is neck pain. While neck pain has a slew of symptoms, its major symptoms, reported by Wellbridge PT, are: • Muscle tightness and spasms • Headaches • Decreased ability to move the head Stress-induced neck pain isn’t rare. It also isn’t psychological. Many experts think stress-induced neck pain is caused by physical factors — low, but constant, trapezius muscle activity. If your neck pain starts at the base of your shoulders, traveling upward, it may be stress related. Causes of Stress-Related Neck Pain While stress alone can trigger neck pain, a few factors can make it worse. Office environments tend to create neck pain problems — as

Sources https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-relieve-neck-pain-caused-stress https://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-reduce-stress.aspx

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0027055/ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000802.htm

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/most-neck-pain-improves-with-self-care-time/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581

HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOUR NECK PAIN

Neck pain, fortunately, can be alleviated with physical therapy. Because neck pain is often caused by activity, different activity can cure it. Sometimes, this “activity” means “no activity.” Before you contact a professional, try reducing your neck movements. Sometimes, simply letting your neck muscles relax is enough. If you don’t see relief within two weeks, contact a professional. Physical therapists can target your pain’s source by examining your symptoms. Then, they can offer exercises that stretch, flex and relax your neck muscles. In time, your neck will become more resilient — giving you the comfort you deserve. Where

after-care treatment is considered, custom-tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy. If you’re dealing with neck pain, you’re not alone. Call our office today, and schedule an assessment. Even if your neck pain is caused by stress, it still needs attention. We’ll work side by side with your goals, creating the proactive, effective programs you need to achieve mobility once more.

Are you letting back pain hold you back? Call Wellbridge Physical Therapy at 617-965-8070 (Newton) or 617-734-6135 (Brookline) to schedule your appointment today!

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� Move without pain � Bend and move freely � Balance confidently & securely

� Sit for long periods comfortably � Walk for long distances � Live an active & healthy life

Call us at 617-965-8070 (Newton) or 617-734-6135 (Brookline)!

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SPICED PEAR TEA

PATI ENT SUCCESS SPOTL IGHT

• 1 tsp whole cloves • 6 tea bags • Small orange slices, halved (optional) • Stick cinnamon (optional)

• 1 orange • 3 cups water • 2 (11.3 to 12 oz) cans pear nectar • 1 tbsp honey (optional) • 4 inches stick cinnamon

“Maryssa Caruso is a fantastic massage therapist. I came in with a lot of neck and back pain and felt so good when I left. She was very attentive and spent extra time on me. I already made another appointment to go back!” - Alison K. “Wellbridge gave me a great massage and advice after the massage. It’s very welcoming there and everyone was wonderful! 10/10 recommend!!!” - Julie W. “Maryssa is awesome! She’s an excellent therapist, and cares about her clients. You’re in good hands!” - Ron L.

Using a vegetable peeler, remove three wide strips of peel from the orange; set peel aside. Juice the orange into a large saucepan. Add the water, pear nectar and honey (if using) to orange juice in saucepan. For spice bag: Place the 4 inches of stick cinnamon, the cloves and the orange peel strips in the center of a 6-inch square of double-thickness, 100%-cotton cheesecloth. Bring corners together and tie with 100%-cotton kitchen string. Add spice bag to pear nectar mixture. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and spice bag; discard. Serve in warmmugs. If desired, float orange slices on top of individual servings and serve with additional stick cinnamon.

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Helps Relieve Neck Pain

Cervical Retraction Stand with your back against a wall. Position a rolled up towel behind your neck. Tuck chin like you are nodding ‘yes’. Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 3 times.

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises youareunsureofdoing.

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E X P LO R E T H E B E N E F I T S O F M A S S AG E T H E R A P Y

BENEF ITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

MEET MARYSSA, OUR MASSAGE THERAPIST

Even the most spectacularly well-trained human body has its limits. Those limitsareset, inpart,by thesoft tissues thatmobilizeyour joints and give you the strength to perform specific tasks. Your muscles are madeupofmanysmall, thin fibers thatcontractoncommand,working together to mobilize entire large muscle groups. These muscles are attached to your bones by connective tissues called tendons, enabling them to actually move your body parts. Tougher bands of connective tissuecalled ligamentsconnectbonestootherbones foraddedstability. These tissues (and other physical systems) are covered by yet another connective tissue called fascia. Any and all of these soft tissues can be damaged by stresses. Micro- tears inthetendonscan leadtopainful inflammatoryproblemssuchas tennisorgolfer’selbow.Stretched ligaments leaveyouwithdebilitating sprains.Distortionsoradhesions (areasofscartissue) inthe fasciacan severely limitmotion inother tissues.Youmaydevelop theseproblems because your soft tissues were too tight beforehand. Our massage therapist might recommend different types of massage to accompany different forms (and intents) of your physical therapy program. For instance: • Hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy using heated volcanic rocks placed along the spine to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and promote sleep • Sports massage is used to promote flexibility and range of motion as well as decrease muscle soreness in athletes • A techniquecalled myofascialrelease canhelp free tissues trapped by fascial adhesions or distortions. If you’re rehabilitating an injury, therapeutic massage can help your tissuesheal,soyoucangetmoreoutofyourphysical therapyregimen.

Maryssa Caruso , LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) Maryssa’spassionhasalwaysbeenabout helping others. For many years, she has worked in the childcare field caring and shaping the minds of many young children. In 2014, Maryssa considered

pursuinganotheravenueofhelpingothersbygaininghermassage license from Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy School. She happily concluded her education at Cortiva with over 700 hours of massage training.Maryssa’smodalities includebutarenot limited to: Swedish relaxation, Sports massage and Myofascial release. Hertreatmentsare individuallycustomizedtoeachperson’sneeds. When Maryssa is not teaching or working as a massage therapist, she enjoys spending time with her dog, family, being outdoors and traveling with friends. Maryssa is thrilled to become a part of the Wellbridge Physical Therapy Team!

S P E C I A L O F F E R !

$ 192 FOR A THREE 60-MIN MASSAGE PACKAGE A $255 value. Discounted price at $64 each. DISCOUNTED OFFER Call us at 617-965-8070 (Newtonville) or 617-734-6135 (Brookline) or go to wellbridgept.com !

Schedule your appointment today by calling 617-965-8070 (Newton) or 617-734-6135 (Brookline)! wellbridgept.com

This offer expires February 28, 2019.

E X P LO R E T H E B E N E F I T S O F S T R E TC H I N G T H E R A P Y

MEET KERRY, OUR STRETCHING THERAPIST

PASSIVE STRETCHING SESSIONS

Kerry Paraskevoudis , Stretching Therapist

While skilled methods of Physical Therapy address specific pain and ultimate return to function, Passive Stretching techniques focus on injury prevention and enhancement in functional and athletic performance. In other words, passive stretching sessions consist of hands-on techniques applied to a patient by our specialists to muscle groups for a period of 30-60 minutes which serve to benefit the entire body. What are the benefits? In short, improved muscle performance due to improved flexibility! After all, shortenedmuscles are inefficient muscles.Muscle inefficiency leadstodecreasedperformancepotential and possible injury. Skilled passive stretching aids in reducingmuscle and joint stiffness. As joint and muscle mobility improve, so does flexibility and effectiveness of movements. Whetherornotyouareanathlete,youcouldalsobenefit from improved flexibility. Our introductory session is free for our past or current patients, so you have nothing to lose and flexibility to gain!

KerrycompletedherBS inphysicaltherapy in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2013. She specializes in pediatric physical therapy and inneurologicaldevelopmenttreatment (NDT). Kerry moved to Massachusetts 2

yearsagoand isnowworkingasaphysical therapyaide.Sheenjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking, and traveling.

SPECIAL OFFER!

Schedule your appointment today by calling 617-965-8070 (Newton) or 617-734-6135 (Brookline)!

FIRST 30 MIN FREE! STRETCHING SESSION $50 value. Discounted price at $37.50 Call us at 617-965-8070 (Newton) or 617-734-6135 (Brookline) or go to wellbridgept.com !

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This offer expires February 28, 2019.

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