PHYSICAL THERAPY AND NECK PAIN
One of the primary goals of physical therapy is to address whole- body well-being by encouraging improved overall health. In many situations, this includes improved flexibility and range-of-motion training, muscle building, and strength training, and even in some cases, encouragement with cardiovascular activities and weight loss. At the end of the day, the best way to be free of neck pain is to prevent neck pain from developing, and working with a physical therapist can help you in this regard, as well. The tasks that you do every day can build up over time and cause a lot of stress on your body, and the neck and shoulders are some of the most common places to carry that stress. You may not even realize the impact that simple tasks that you do every day have on your body and your experience of pain. Things like driving, lifting heavy objects — like packages at the front door or even your groceries — and repetitive movements like hunching over a keyboard at work can all seriously impact your neck pain.
The good news is that there is actually a lot that you can do to support the healthy operation of your neck, thereby reducing the severity or frequency of your neck pain. Working with a physical therapist is the best way to address neck pain. During physical therapy, your neck pain will be addressed holistically, taking into consideration the initial injury that may have caused the pain to develop, but also any other habits, movements, or compensations that may be contributing to the discomfort. Physical therapy takes advantage of strategies like massage, stretching, and muscle training to reduce neck pain, and many of these strategies can be adopted in part at home or on the-go to help you address your neck pain when it is bothering you the most. Adopting healthier habits can have a big impact on your management of neck pain. These include: • Practicing improved posture • Wearing recommended footwear • Using lumbar support in your desk chair or car • Exercising regularly • Engaging in regular stretching, like yoga
The longer you let neck pain linger, the more difficult it becomes to treat. If you experience an injury, the smart thing to do is to consult a physical therapist soon after the pain develops.
EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS TRY THIS EXERCISE FOR NECK PAIN RELIEF
HEALTHY REC I PE FRUIT ENERGY BALLS
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup chopped almonds
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• 1 cup dried figs
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
LEVATOR SCAPUL AE STRETCH
Grasp your arm on the affected side and tilt your head downward into the armpit. Use your opposite hand to guide your head further into the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
INSTRUCTIONS Combine almonds, figs and apricots in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Roll the mixture into small balls and dredge in coconut. To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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