AbilitiesAboundPT_Neck Pain & Stress

AbilitiesAboundPT_Neck Pain & Stress

W W W. A B I L I T I E S A P W C . C O M

Is Stress Causing Your Neck Pain

I N S I D E How Physical Therapy Can Help How Can I Improve My Sleep? Exercise Essentials

Is Stress Causing Your Neck Pain?

Does your neck hurt? You might be suffering from stress- related pain — also called a tension headache. During anxiety, muscles tense up. As muscle tension tightens, the back, shoulders and neck are affected. The more pressure they cause, the more discomfort you get. Let’s take a closer look at stress-related neck pain. Is My Neck Pain Caused By Stress? Pain worsened by keeping your head in one place — like when you’re driving, or using a computer — is neck pain. While neck pain has a slew of symptoms, its major symptoms, reported by Mayo Clinic, are: • Muscle tightness and spasms • Headaches • Decreased ability to move the head

Stress-induced neck pain isn’t rare. It also isn’t psychological. Many experts think stress-induced neck pain is caused by physical factors —low, but constant, trapezius muscle activity. If your neck pain starts at the base of your shoulders, traveling upward, it may be stress related. Causes of Stress-Related Neck Pain While stress alone can trigger neck pain, a few factors can make it worse. Office environments tend to create neck pain problems — as they confine people to chairs, bad posture and little mobility. Driving often, too, can make your chances of stress-related neck pain higher. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests contacting a professional if you’re experiencing neck pain. Even if it’s caused by stress, untreated neck pain might later reveal muscle spasms, arthritis, bulging discs or even narrowed spinal nerve openings.

Call Abilities Abound Physical Therapy to schedule your appointment today!

3. If further assessment is

1. Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist.

2. Your therapist will tell you the possible causes of your pain as well as precautions you can take at home.

warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Staff Spotlight David Keefe | LPTA

Neck pain, fortunately, can be alleviated with physical therapy. Because neck pain is often caused by activity, different activity can cure it. Sometimes, this “activity” means “no activity.” Before you contact a professional, try reducing your neck movements. Sometimes, simply letting your neck muscles relax is enough. If you don’t see relief within two weeks, contact a professional. Physical therapists can target your pain’s source by examining your symptoms. Then, they can offer exercises that stretch, flex and relax your neck muscles. In time, your neck will become more resilient — giving you the comfort you deserve. Where aftercare treatment is considered, custom- tailored neck exercises will assure your neck stays loose, limber and healthy. If you’re dealing with neck pain, you’re not alone. Call our office today, and schedule an assessment. Even if your neck pain is caused by stress, it still needs attention. We’ll work side by side with your goals, creating the proactive, effective programs you need to achieve mobility once more. Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hip-pain/basics/when-to-see- doctor/sym-20050684

David Keefe is a native of New Jersey. He earned his B.A. from Colorado College in 2008 and graduated from ECPI University in Richmond, VA with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant in 2020. David holds certifications as a RockTape FMT Practioner, Hawkgrips Practitioner of IASTM, as well as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer . He also has received training in nutrition for sports, exercise, & weight management. In his free time, he enjoys sailing, biking, and outdoor pursuits.

Avocado Coconut Pops

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sugar • 1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions In a blender, pulse the sugar and coconut milk until sugar is dissolved. Add the avocados, vanilla, 3 tbsp water, and a pinch of salt. Purée until smooth. Divide mixture among 6 ice pop molds and insert sticks. Freeze until solid. Enjoy!

“I have had several treatments at this facility and all have been very helpful in my recovery. They are attentive, thorough in evaluation and application of practices to promote ROM, strength and encouragement. - Joyce S. Success Spotlight

Exercise Essentials

How Can I Improve My Sleep?

The environment in which you sleep is one of the most important factors in creating a good night’s sleep. This includes: 1. Noise. If you experience sleep sensitivity, it is important to make sure that any unexpected noises are limited in your bedroom. Sleeping with a white noise machine or fan can help eliminate any additional environmental noises that may wake you up in the middle of the night. 2. Light. If your room lets in excessive amounts of light in the morning, it may be beneficial to invest in some blackout curtains. Keeping your room dark will help you stay asleep through the night, even as the sun is rising. It is a great way to gain as much sleep as you can before your alarm goes off in the morning. 3. Temperature. Have you ever woken up sweating, only to throw the blankets off and wake up freezing a couple hours later? The temperature in which you keep your bedroom has a large effect on your sleep. Your body temperature naturally decreases as a way to initiate sleep, so keeping a cooler bedroom can help facilitate your slumber. According to The National Sleep Foundation, the optimum bedroom temperature for a good night’s sleep should be between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. If you feel cold, wearing socks or keeping a hot water bottle by your feet can help dilate blood vessels and increase your internal thermostat. 4. Mattress. It may come as no surprise that what you actually sleep on also has a profound effect on the way you sleep. According to Tuck Sleep, mattresses with mid-level firmness ratings (4-6 out of 10) tend to help the most with alleviating pain, as they provide a balance between comfort and support. Mattresses that are too soft or too firm can actually increase pain levels during sleep, as they can create more pressure and target certain pain points. Sleep is an essential part of daily function, and you shouldn’t let your pain rob you from it! If you are experiencing sleep deprivation due to your chronic pain, contact Abilities Abound Physical Therapy today. We’ll provide you with helpful tips for gaining sleep and improving your daily life, free from pain and exhaustion.

SIDE NECK STRETCH Place one hand on the side of your head, then pull your head towards your shoulder. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on both sides. This helps relieve neck pain.

Exercises copyright of www.simpleset.net

Featured Service

Cupping Therapy

While the popularity of cupping has significantly increased in the past recent years, it isn’t a new practice. In fact, it was originally used by the ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It is an ancient form of alternative medicine that is performed by placing cups on the skin, in order to create suction.

Types of massages we offer:

• Deep Tissue • Swedish • Hot Stone • Prenatal Massage

• Sports Massage • Chair Massage • Aromatherapy • Reflexology

Have pain that won’t go away? We want to help! Call us today at (804) 529-5178 or visit www.abilitiesapwc.com

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