If You’re Currently Living With Neck And Or Shoulder Pain, There Might Be More Reasons Why It Could Be Lasting Longer Than It Should

For over 20 years, I have been treating people with neck and shoulder pain and everyone has the same questions:

"How did this happen? I never injured my neck"

"I thought it would eventually heal but it's been a few months without a change...?"  

"I've rested it but it doesn't seem to make a difference"

Many conditions, like the common cold, they typically go away with time. Most people put out hope that just a little bit more time, it will disappear.  

Does this sound like you?

In other cases neck and shoulder pain sufferers have contacted the doctor only to be given painkillers and told to take it easy.

Eventually, when that doesn't work, he refers you to a specialist that orders a series of tests that show a bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc or arthritis.

All of which is very common in patients over 40 years of age. Then the specialist prescribes more intense medications that have even more potential side effects and risk of addiction.

Has this ever happened to you or someone you know?

In the case of neck and shoulder pain, where the pain is coming from can be confusing - even for experts.  The chiropractor says it is coming from your neck, than the orthopedist says it is coming from your shoulder, or maybe it's a little bit of both.  

And your spouse said it is because you're too stressed and you should get some counseling. With all these experts and family members disagreeing, you decided to do nothing and another three months go by.

Is this how you feel?

As experts in neck and shoulder pain, there are common reasons why neck and shoulder pain doesn't go away (maybe not so commonly known).

-You had it before and it went away in the past.

-You just assumed it as part of being older and you have to take it to your grave.

-Your mom and dad had neck and shoulder pain and it never got better, so you just assumed it was in your genes.

-You've had overbooked corporate physical therapy that never worked, so why try again?

-You've had physical therapy from a busy physical therapist that had untrained aides do most of the work and answer most of the questions.

-You've done exercising over the internet and nothing seemed to work.

-You've been worse off after getting a massage and self-stretching.

These are just some of the common reasons patients don't seek care for neck and shoulder pain from a physical therapist.  I really don't blame you.  

We also have a specific method of evaluating from New Zealand that allows us to tell rather quickly whether our physical therapy will help you.

Great news ... no wasted time without results!

Another question that comes up is:

"What can physical therapy do to get rid of my neck and shoulder pain?"

-You have to first accept that you need help and are committed to put it on your schedule like an activity for your kids or meeting at work. Many people are caught in limbo because they just can't make a decision.

-We need to work together to find the right movement and timing of exercises. Many times we see patients from other therapists or chiropractors and it was the timing of the exercises that was the difference, not the type of exercises.

- Provide the correct exercise with specific instructions and how often, how many times a day, and most importantly ... when to stop! A good exercise can become a bad exercise if done at the wrong time.

-Educate you on activities that can "help" and "hurt" your recovery.

A common one is "Do not sit or drive for more than 20 minutes at a time." Simple but very important ... staying in one position is not good for most neck and shoulder problems. As we said before, knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do.

-Make you aware of your posture and sitting and also sleeping. How to use simple lumbar supports and night pillows can lessen the strain on your neck and shoulders. Most importantly how to use them so they work!

-Get an evaluation followed by treatment by a physical therapist who is a specialist in neck and shoulder pain. Also make sure you have the same physical therapist every time you receive treatment so you have the fastest path to recovery!

(Ask about our 20 minute Discovery Session or 10 minute phone consultation.) Call now at 201-251-2422 or a dedicated cell number at 201-694-5010

Why is a physical therapist at Apex uniquely qualified to get rid of my annoying and irritating neck and shoulder pain?  

Good question!

-We can take your neck and shoulder pain away after a detailed exam and talking about your goals. When you see a ton of patients with neck and shoulder pain and stiffness, you get really good at treating it.

-We don't just treat the symptoms; we find the cause in the first visit.

-We know how to get you past the pain to enjoy the things you want to do most without the pain returning or the need for medications, injections or surgery.

-We are trained to identify the right movement or position to reduce or take away your pain

-We won't waste your time with long waits in our waiting room or weeks before you can get your first appointment

-We won't waste your time with unnecessary blood tests and imaging unless it's really necessary

-Get you to the point where you get a good night's sleep without relying on sleeping pills or pain pills.

-We also know when you need to see a doctor fast when there are serious concerns.  Just part of our training!

(Check out our 10 minute phone consultation or 20 minute Discovery Visit)