Everyone has neck pain occasionally, but if your symptoms affect your mobility or quality of life, seeking treatment is essential. At Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West in Sun City West, Arizona, experienced physical therapist Kimberly Hilditch, MSPT, and the team offer several types of manual therapy to relieve neck pain and prevent it from worsening. Stretches, strengthening exercises, massage, and traction can reduce symptoms and help you return to your normal routine. Call Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West today to schedule neck pain treatment, or book your visit online.

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Can physical therapy help with chronic neck pain?

Yes. Many doctors refer patients with chronic neck pain to a physical therapist before recommending more invasive treatments, such as surgery. Physical therapy is noninvasive and uses a mix of hands-on measures and applied treatments to relieve neck pain and stiffness.

A series of physical therapy sessions can help restore your neck’s range of motion and prevent your symptoms from worsening.

When should I see a physical therapist about neck pain?

Make an appointment with the Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team if you have neck pain that lasts for more than a few weeks, even after at-home treatments like ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication.

That’s particularly true if the pain extends into your shoulders and arms or it occurs alongside tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.

What are the goals of physical therapy for neck pain?

The Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team tailors physical therapy treatment plans to each patient’s symptoms and needs. Even so, the goals for treatment usually remain the same and include:

  • Developing strategies to prevent neck pain from recurring
  • Strengthening the neck and surrounding muscles
  • Improving the head and neck’s range of motion
  • Reducing pain and stiffness
  • Relieving other symptoms caused by neck pain, such as headaches

Physical therapy won’t necessarily eliminate neck pain, but it can improve your posture and help you return to your favorite activities.

What happens during a physical therapy appointment?

Before making treatment recommendations, your Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during sleep, exercise, or at work.

Aided by that information, your provider develops a personalized physical therapy and rehabilitation plan that fits your needs.

How does physical therapy treat neck pain?

The Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team treats neck pain using a conservative and noninvasive approach. They might suggest:

  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Manual stretching
  • Manual traction
  • Myofascial release
  • Trigger point release
  • Deep soft tissue mobilization
  • Muscle energy techniques
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Mechanical traction
  • Iontophoresis
  • Laser Touch One™

It might take some trial and error to determine which treatments best meet your needs. Attend each of your scheduled checkups, follow your provider’s instructions, and commit to the treatment process.

Call Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West today to receive physical therapy for neck pain, or book your appointment online.