Neck Pain Relief Through Manual Therapy
We've all had it: that annoying tightness from sleeping funny, or that stabbing, burning sensation that never goes away. Sometimes it travels down to your shoulders and arms or gives you terrible migraines.
Neck pain is incredibly common and affects many people at some point in their lives, and neck pain symptoms can severely impact quality of life. Ranging from difficulty driving or working on a computer to even turning one's head to speak to someone can all become excruciatingly painful endeavors.
So if you've had chronic neck pain here in Austin, TX, and don't want medication that merely makes you feel good for the time being, Carter Physiotherapy employs extensive Manual Therapy for neck pain. Our hands-on, skilled approach gets to the root of the issue for true relief and functional improvement.
Essential Manual Therapy Techniques Used For Neck Pain
Following a comprehensive evaluation catered to your neck pain condition, our Austin Manual Therapists will utilize a selected variety of manual therapy techniques to address the mechanical and neurologic causes of your pain and dysfunction.
These include:
1. Cervical and Thoracic Spinal Mobilization & Manipulation
These are targeted, directed forces applied to specific areas of the neck (cervical spine) and upper back (thoracic spine) that are performed by the therapist's hands directly on your skin overlying the bones. Spinal mobilization is a low-force, slow rhythmic movement designed to enhance joint mobility, while spinal manipulation is a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust designed to restore major joint mobility.
Spinal mobilization and manipulation restore joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance neurological function.
2. Soft Tissue Mobilization (Therapeutic Massage)
The therapist applies therapeutic massage strokes and pressures to the muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the neck as well as the shoulders and upper back. This includes deep tissue massage techniques, focused friction and gentle kneading.
Soft tissue mobilization reduces muscle spasm and tension, increases blood flow and reduces scar tissue or adhesions.
3. Myofascial Release (MFR)
Myofascial release involves gentle, sustained pressure into fascial restrictions, or areas of tightness in the fascia, which is the web-like connective tissue throughout your body. Fascial restrictions transfer pain to your neck from distant sites in the body.
MFR gets to the root of tight muscle tension and increases overall body range of motion or flexibility.
4. Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry needling, administered by our trained Austin Manual Therapists, is the process of inserting very thin, sterile needles into areas determined to be myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are those hyper-irritable spots in your muscle in the neck and associated musculature.
Dry needling is a drug-free intervention technique that results in almost instantaneous pain relief, diminished muscle tension, and improved muscle performance.
The Integrated Approach to Manual Therapy for Neck Pain
While Manual Therapy is an incredibly successful catalyst for neck pain relief, here at Carter Physiotherapy, it is always performed as part of a comprehensive neck injury treatment plan. Manual techniques allow for effective body preparation, but active engagement through exercise and education is imperative for long-term success.
Your individualized plan will also include:
- Specific Therapeutic Exercise: Once pain is decreased and range of motion is increased, exercise is essential for strengthening neck musculature and maintaining proper posture. Your therapist will develop an exercise plan to help you heal faster, achieve active range of motion, and prevent future occurrences of neck pain.
- Posture and Ergonomic Education: It may be your posture that contributes to neck pain. You'll learn practical tips regarding ideal posture while sitting, standing and sleeping. Further, your therapist will advise how to position your workstation to be as ergonomically sound as possible to prevent excess strain on your neck.
- Body Mechanics Training: This involves training on how to safely do your daily activities, lifts, and hobbies so you don't reinjure yourself.
- Pain Education: Understanding how pain works gives you insight into why your pain continues and how to help yourself and control it by reducing your fear of movement due to chronic neck pain.
Thus, this all-encompassing experience allows you to feel better not just in the moment but also build the strength, range of motion, and awareness to keep you feeling good and getting back to what you enjoy without worrying about chronic neck pain.
Don't Let Neck Pain Bring You Down
If you're located in Austin, TX, and searching for neck pain treatment that makes a difference, learn about the wonderful benefits of Manual Therapy Austin here at Carter Physiotherapy. We can help restore your function, alleviate your pain, and get you back to your life!
