Neck Pain Active Physical Therapy

 When it comes to treating neck pain, the major goal of physical therapy is to increase the strength and flexibility of the neck. These objectives are best met with vigorous workouts that target the neck and surrounding muscles, gradually increasing the burden over time. The type and quantity of exercises can vary, and activities to work other regions of the body are sometimes added.

Neck Pain Active Physical Therapy

Active Physical Therapy Varieties

The following are some examples of frequent methods of active physical therapy for neck pain:

• Stretches and workouts for the neck. To educate the muscles that attach directly to the cervical spine, a variety of stretches and exercises may be given. The chin tuck is the most typical example, which includes gazing forward (not up or down) and gently pushing the chin straight back.

• Core and back strengthening exercises If physical treatment is prescribed to enhance neck strength and function, it is likely that the back and core muscles around the trunk will benefit as well. Furthermore, these muscle groups all work together to support the spine and improve posture.

• Aerobic exercise. As the heart and lungs work harder for the duration of the workout, this sort of exercise increases blood flow and breathing levels. Cycling on an upright or reclined bike, swimming with a mask and snorkel to eliminate neck movement, and brisk walking are all examples of low-impact aerobic sports that do not jolt the spine.

• Exercising in the water. Some exercises can be done in a swimming pool. Water's buoyancy can assist relieve pressure on the spine while still allowing the muscles to perform. Aquatic exercise may be indicated if the neck discomfort is severe or accompanied by shoulder and/or back pain.

Depending on the patient's unique therapy goals, these types of active physical therapy, as well as others, can be combined or used at different stages of the treatment plan.

Active Physical Therapy's Potential Risks and Complications

Active physical therapy under the supervision of a registered physical therapist or other certified medical expert is usually safe, but it is not without dangers. The following are some potential hazards and consequences to be aware of:

• Pain and/or stiffness may worsen at first. It is typical for muscles to get sore and swollen after starting a new exercise routine. Starting a new physical therapy program gradually and progressively increasing the workouts in subsequent sessions might help alleviate pain and stiffness.

• Improper technique may aggravate an existing injury or trigger a new one. Overloading joints and/or soft tissues by performing workouts incorrectly might result in injury. It is critical that the exercises be carried out exactly as suggested.

• Keeping up with treatment might be difficult. People frequently discontinue physical therapy too soon. For example, a treatment program may be designed for two months, but if the person becomes discouraged and quits after the first month, the enhanced strength, flexibility, and healing that may have been attained after the second month are lost. If the time commitment required for physical therapy is a concern, it may be beneficial to plan ahead of time for physical therapy sessions, or to work with a physical therapist to learn exercises that can be done at home with fewer in-office consultations.

• An undiagnosed medical problem may deteriorate over time. If a significant underlying medical issue, such as cancer, is causing the neck pain but has not been detected, physical therapy will be ineffective and may result in a dangerous delay in getting adequate treatment.

Active physical treatment should not cause extraordinary discomfort or exacerbate pain while performing the activities. Any workout that produces pain should be stopped right away. In some circumstances, if more healing has occurred or a medical professional has given the OK, an exercise can be resumed at a later period.

Exercising After Physical Therapy Is Complete

When a physical therapy program involves regaining strength and mobility in any part of the body, such as the neck, it usually necessitates the continuation of some type of home maintenance program after the formal physical therapy is completed. For example, if years of poor posture caused the current neck pain, a few weeks of physical therapy may help alleviate the pain, but home exercises and lifestyle modifications for good posture must be continued to keep the problem from returning.