I just finished treatment for a pinched nerve in my neck and Kelly and Chris we’re both great to work with. My appointments were fun and I actually looked forward to going. More importantly than that, their plan is super effective at eliminating my symptoms and has allowed me to avoid a surgery that I thought was a forgone conclusion.
Physical Therapy For Neck Pain in Seattle, WA
Addressing Neck Pain in Seattle, WA
Neck pain is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life, often leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and interference with regular activities. Losing mobility in your neck affects every aspect of your work, home, and gym activities.
At Seattle Rehab Specialists, we want you to experience life without limitations. We specialize in diagnosing and treating neck pain using a comprehensive, personalized approach.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can arise from various causes, many of which are related to lifestyle or injury:
Postural Issues
One of the most prevalent causes is poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting, such as working at a desk or studying for extended periods. This can lead to muscle strain and discomfort in the neck and upper back
Whiplash
Sudden, forceful movements of the neck, such as those experienced in car accidents or recreational activities, can cause whiplash, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Radiculopathy
Nerve entrapment due to disc issues or compression in the cervical spine can cause radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the neck, arms, or hands, known as radiculopathy.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
Visit a trusted physical therapist for professional treatment when your neck pain is not resolved with basic stretching and rest. Watch for warning signs that point to visiting a physical therapist, such as chronic pain, sharp pain limiting movement, worsening stiffness, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the upper extremities.
It’s important to address neck pain early to receive an accurate diagnosis and get ahead of the injury. Your neck pain can be an indicator of underlying condition that you don’t want to ignore, it is important identify the cause as early as possible.
Personalized Treatment Modalities
After completing a comprehensive exam and reviewing your medical history, we can diagnose the root cause of your neck pain. Then, we move on to creating a treatment plan. We offer a variety of treatment methods tailored to each patient:
Dry Needling
This technique targets muscle tension and trigger points, helping to alleviate pain and improve function.
Biofeedback EMG
Used to monitor muscle activity, biofeedback EMG can guide rehabilitation exercises to ensure proper muscle engagement and relaxation.
Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Mobilization
Hands-on techniques help reduce pain and improve mobility by addressing soft tissue restrictions.
Guided Exercises
Individualized exercise plans focus on strengthening and stabilizing the cervical and postural muscles, supporting proper neck alignment, and reducing abnormal forces on the spine.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery
Physical therapy plays a critical role in the recovery process for neck pain by addressing tissue limitations such as tight or irritated muscles and restricted joint mobility. Through each appointment, you will work with your PT to strengthen cervical and postural muscles around the neck to reduce strain and prevent future episodes of pain.
Education is a significant piece of your physical therapy plan. We teach preventative measures, including ergonomic adjustments and exercises, to minimize strain on the neck and sustain improvements outside the clinic. Part of this includes focusing on postural awareness and teaching the correct posture if you spend hours at a desk.