There are many physical therapy methods that can be used for treating a pinched nerve in the neck. In fact, physical therapists will typically use a combination of therapy methods that is unique to each patient.

A pinched nerve in the neck is also called cervical radiculopathy. Medical research indicates that about 2 in every 1,000 people develop cervical radiculopathy every year. This condition is most common in people who are between 40 and 50 years old. Physical therapy can offer many benefits for people who have a pinched nerve in their neck. One of these benefits is helping to reduce your cervical radiculopathy symptoms. 

Three physical therapy methods used for reducing symptoms of a pinched neck nerve

Out of all the possible physical therapy methods used for decreasing pinched neck nerve symptoms, here are three that are used more often: 

1. Manual therapy — Therapists can use their hands to mobilize and manipulate your neck. Techniques that do so fall into a category called manual therapy. Manual therapy methods can be helpful for cervical radiculopathy patients. One study reports that 57% of the patients who had manual therapy for this condition had successful outcomes. 

2. Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist can also show you therapeutic exercises that can help your cervical radiculopathy symptoms. These exercises can include stretches and neck strengthening movements. 

Such exercises can help patients increase their neck function. A study on cervical radiculopathy shows that therapeutic exercises helped improve neck function scores by nearly 25 points on a 100-point scale in just four weeks. 

3. McKenzie Method^® — This therapy technique focuses on helping patients learn about their condition. It also aims to help them address their symptoms and prevent their issue from recurring. One symptom of cervical radiculopathy that the McKenzie Method can help with is headaches. 

A study on this technique found that 80% of cervical radiculopathy patients in the study had headaches before being treated. This percentage dropped to slightly over 3% after three weeks of using the McKenzie Method. 

Continuum Wellness offers effective physical therapy for a pinched nerve in the neck

Experiencing pain, loss of function and other symptoms from a pinched nerve in your neck? Our physical therapy team at Continuum Wellness is ready and willing to help you reduce your symptoms. Our physical therapists can perform a free screening of your neck to confirm that you have cervical radiculopathy. 

Then, they can build you a personalized therapy program designed to offer benefits like: 

• Reducing pain.
• Improving neck function.
• Decreasing headaches.
• Reducing your risk of future pinched nerves.

We even offer virtual therapy and at-home care services that allow you to get treatment for your symptoms right in your home. 

Contact our team today for more information about our cervical radiculopathy treatment options or to schedule your initial appointment.