You might be aware of the term manual therapy for neck pain, but do you know what it is and why it is used for neck pain relief? Patients are often encouraged to undergo physical therapy after an injury severely affecting the neck, back, and spine. 

Manual therapy aims to restore movement and aid in your recovery process. Our physical therapists at College Park Physical Therapy will work with you to improve your quality of life. Moreover, manual therapy is the best option for neck pain relief in Overland Park if you want to restore and maintain motion without surgery. 

Whether from an accident or chronic issues, neck pain can drastically impact your ability to earn money, indulge in your favorite activities, and enjoy life. Below we will look at the causes of neck pain and how manual therapy helps you heal it. 

Causes of Neck Pain

Many factors can cause neck pain, and it becomes challenging to find the cause. For unknown reasons, physical therapy can help strengthen neck muscles, improve the range of motion, and reduce pain.

 

Common causes of neck pain are:

 

  • Postural neck pain: Poor posture can increase stress on the cervical spine.
  • Disc herniation of intervertebral disc herniation: Intervertebral discs in the spine act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. If they are damaged or slipped, they can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause pain.
  • Spinal stenosis: Narrowing the spinal canal can compress nerves in the spine. This diagnosis is common in older people.
  • Neck arthritis: This type of arthritis is the age-related deterioration of the protective cartilage in the cervical spine.
  • Injuries: Whiplash and other injuries can damage neck tissues and joints. 
  • Surgery: Certain neck surgeries, such as neck immobilization, can cause pain and stiffness that can last for weeks or more.

 

Most experts agree that physical therapy is an effective option for treating neck pain. In most physical therapy patients, numerous studies have shown improved posture, less pain and stiffness, fewer muscle spasms, and improved neck function. Patients may experience improved long-term relief.

Manual Therapy Treatment Overview

Manipulative therapy is a general term for treatments mainly performed by hand. The goals of manual therapy include relaxation, pain relief, and increased flexibility. Manual therapy includes:

  • Massage

It puts pressure on the body’s soft tissues, such as muscles. Massage can help relax muscles, increase blood flow, and relieve soft tissue pain. 

  • Mobilization

Slow, measured movements rotate, pull, and push bones and joints into place. Mobilization helps loosen the tight tissue around the neck and improves flexibility and alignment.

  • Manipulation

It puts pressure on the joints and can be done by hand. Applying carefully controlled forces to a joint can produce a range of motion, from weak to strong, slow to fast.

How does it work?

Both mobilization and manipulation use movements measured at varying velocities, forces, and distances to rotate, pull or push bones and joints into alignment. Manual therapy effectively increases oxygen circulation in the bloodstream, resulting in calm and relaxation. 

Why Is It Used

Manual therapy is used for neck pain relief. Manual therapy includes movement of muscles, bones, and joints. 

 

Before attempting manual therapy for neck pain, consider the following:

 

  • First, try home remedies such as heat, ice, pain relievers, and light exercise or stretching. These things work best for neck pain. 
  • If pain is severe, symptoms worsen, or new symptoms appear, consult your doctor. Manipulation may not be the right therapy for you.
  • Good manual therapy includes self-care information and strength training.
  • When choosing a physical therapist for manual therapy, look for an experienced physical therapist at College Park Physical Therapy. 

However, before opting for manual treatment, do your research. If you choose to go ahead with it, talk to a couple of various manual therapy providers before you decide and get the treatment.

Benefits of Manual Therapy 

  • Reduces Pain And Stiffness – Using passive treatments such as manual therapy, physical therapists can help reduce pain in the affected area and speed up the healing process.
  • Development Of Power – A physical therapist will create a specific exercise plan for your particular needs to help strengthen the muscles in the affected area.
  • Increased Movement – Your physical therapist will incorporate flexibility exercises into your treatment plan to help improve your range of motion in your back and neck.
  • Prevent Future Injuries – Learning proper body mechanics can help prevent future injuries and the recurrence of pain.
  • Improved Quality Of Life – Manual therapy can help you get back to your routine faster and improve your overall quality of life.

Conclusion 

College Park Physical Therapy has substantial evidence that shows physical therapy can help you achieve pain relief. Call us at 913.681.0606 or book an appointment! If you are searching for neck pain relief in Overland Park, choosing us will make a positive difference in your neck pain.