For those living with arthritis of the neck, it is important to keep a positive attitude. Although the pain, stiffness and other symptoms can have a disruptive effect on your quality of life and ability to perform basic activities, there are many treatment options that can help you find relief. Arthritis may not be reversible, but the symptoms are highly manageable with proper care and healthy lifestyle choices.
Physical therapy for neck arthritis is a commonly sought-out treatment because it can help relieve symptoms at the source by improving the functionality of the body itself. To help you learn more about the ways that working with a physical therapist can improve the quality of life for arthritis sufferers, we’ve created the following practical overview. As you read this over, feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like to learn more about our offerings or if you have any questions.
How can a physical therapist treat neck arthritis?
The goal of any physical therapy program is to relieve pain and restore function in the body through a series of techniques that are designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility and promote overall health.
Physical therapy methods can mainly be divided into active and passive techniques. With active therapy, the patient is instructed in various exercises and stretches they can perform to achieve treatment goals, while passive therapies are those that are performed by the patient.
For arthritis of the neck, a physical therapist will review medical history, ask questions about symptoms and perform movement tests to assess the optimal course of treatment. Common options for arthritis relief include:
- Therapeutic exercises to strengthen supporting muscles
- Manual therapy including joint mobilization
- Dry needling
- Total Motion Release technique
It’s important to find a therapist you can form a close relationship with, as effective treatment requires clear communication, trust and personalized attention.
Personalized care for arthritis of the neck
At Continuum Wellness, our highly skilled clinical team has extensive experience in helping patients overcome arthritis symptoms and get back to the people and activities they love. We’ll work with you on a one-on-one basis to ensure you receive a treatment plan that is right for you.
To learn more about physical therapy for neck arthritis, contact us today. We’ll be glad to help you make your initial appointment.