Neck & Shoulder Pain
Many patients visit THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness looking for treatment for neck and shoulder pain, as it can severely limit the quality of your life. For instance, everyday activities that many of us take for granted can become extremely challenging to do such as turning your head while driving to check your blind spot or struggling to get dressed in the morning as you can’t lift your arm above your head.
What is Neck & Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is often closely connected to neck pain, making it important to determine whether the pain originates from the neck or the shoulder and identify the factors contributing to it.
In the past, many people have tried to manage neck pain with heat therapy or generic shoulder exercises, such as stretches or using a dowel to lift their arm overhead. While these methods may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the underlying causes of the pain.
What are the symptoms of Neck & Shoulder Pain?
Neck and shoulder pain can result from a variety of causes including:
- Poor posture: Prolonged slouching, especially when working at a desk, using a computer, or looking down at a phone, can strain the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Injuries: Whiplash from car accidents, falls, or contact from sports injuries can cause acute pain in these areas.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints in the neck and shoulder, causing stiffness and pain.
- Rotator Cuff Problems: Injuries or inflammation in the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain, often referred to the neck.
Untreated neck and shoulder pain can significantly affect daily life, making everyday motions like lifting, carrying, or reaching cause significant challenges. Even basic upper-body activities, such as putting on a shirt, lifting groceries, or using a tennis racket, can become difficult. This pain can also limit participation in sports and other physical activities, leading patients to avoid them altogether.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Back Pain?
At THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness, we take a patient-focused and highly individualized approach to treating neck and shoulder pain. Recognizing that these areas are intricately connected, our first step is to differentiate between neck-referred pain and orthopedic shoulder issues. Understanding the root cause is critical, as effective treatment requires addressing the exact source of discomfort rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our process begins with a thorough evaluation. This includes orthopedic special tests to assess shoulder function and pinpoint any structural impairments. We also perform a mechanical cervical evaluation to analyze how the neck is moving and identify any restrictions or misalignments that might contribute to pain. This dual approach allows us to determine whether the pain originates in the neck, the shoulder, or both, providing a complete picture of the underlying problem.
Once the source of pain is identified, we create a tailored treatment plan that incorporates a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education. Manual therapy is a cornerstone of our approach, involving hands-on techniques to address muscle tension, joint stiffness, and nerve mobility. This method helps to restore proper alignment and improve overall function in the neck and shoulders.
We also develop customized exercise programs to strengthen weak muscles, improve posture, and enhance mobility. These exercises are designed to be carried out at home, as we place huge importance on our patients taking an active role in their recovery and maintaining progress away from the clinic. Additionally, we educate patients on proper posture and strategies to prevent future pain such as ergonomic adjustments.
At THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness, our goal is to not only alleviate neck and shoulder pain but to provide lasting solutions that allow patients to move freely and enjoy their daily activities without discomfort.
Download Our Free Report
Frustrated with neck and shoulder pain disrupting your life? Our free neck and shoulder pain report uncovers the hidden reasons behind your discomfort and provides practical, proven solutions to address it naturally – without pills, injections, or unnecessary surgery. Whether your pain originates from work, sports, or daily activities, this guide is tailored to help you regain control of your life.