Excel PT: Neck Ergonomics

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY Health Tips Newsletter

YOUR NECK & YOU: HOW TO DECREASE NECK PAIN & IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

Have you been experiencing neck pain, headaches, dizziness, or stiffness? Are you using a computer or mobile device more frequently than normal? You aren’t alone. According to a literature review performed by Dr. Bart Green, approximately 67-80% of people will have neck pain at some point in their lives¹. (continued inside)

By Eric Medaglia-Kurtz, PT, DPT - Assistant Clinic Director - Newtown Square

INSIDE : • Your Neck & You...

• Complimentary Screening • And More!

• Patient Success Spotlight

866-949-2726 www.excelphysicaltherapy.com [email protected]

HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY Health Tips Newsletter

YOUR NECK & YOU: HOW TO DECREASE NECK PAIN & IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

INSIDE :

• Featured Physical Therapist • Complimentary Screening

• Patient Success Spotlight • And More!

(continued from outside)

struggling with chronic neck pain 4 . Your scapula and the muscles supporting it, commonly referred to as your shoulder blade, are important parts of your neck’s strength and stability. Here at Excel Physical Therapy, our therapists are trained in a variety of hands-on treatments to help alleviate your pain and get you feeling better. Soft tissue mobilization is a technique we use to help improve any restrictions or adhesions present in your soft tissue structures, like muscles or ligaments. Joint mobilization is another technique that your therapist may use to address any issues present in your neck. In joint mobilization, physical therapists use manual techniques to help alleviate any stiffness and improve discomfort in your cervical spine, or neck bones. These two techniques, among the many others your physical therapist would be trained in, can help address your pain or disability. While at Excel, your therapist will be with you every step of the way, whether it’s your first visit or your last. Unlike some other physical therapy practices, we don’t employ any aides or assistants; every appointment will be with your therapist.

We’ve also seen that adolescents, who frequently spend more and more time in front of a screen are not immune to this either. Paula Hakala and associates found through research that 2-3 hours of screen time a day is enough to be a threshold for neck and shoulder pain².

By Eric Medaglia-Kurtz, PT, DPT - Assistant Clinic Director - Newtown Square

During this time in which many people have transitioned to remote work environments somewhat abruptly, we’re seeing more issues. People may be spending significant amounts of time in a relatively fixed position, staring forward at computer screens or other monitors. Worse still is that very frequently, we find that people have poor posture and ergonomics with their positioning, resulting in increased pain or stiffness relative to if they had appropriate posture. However, there is good news! We’ve found through research that physical therapy, including the hands-on manual therapy that our physical therapists use has resulted in improving pain and outcomes in people with neck pain³. We’ve also found that something called scapular stabilization can help individuals

No matter what’s going on, we’ll be there with you to help you excel in your recovery.

References: 1: Green B. N. (2008). A literature review of neck pain associated with computer use: public health implications. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 52(3), 161–167. 2. Paula T. Hakala, et [al], Frequent computer-related activities increase the risk of neck–shoulder and low back pain in adolescents, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 16, Issue 5, October 2006, Pages 536–541, 3. Hoving JL et. Al Manual therapy, physical therapy, or continued care by a general practitioner for patients with neck pain. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2002 May 21;136(10):713-22. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-136-10-200205210-00006. PMID: 12020139. 4. Seo YG, Park WH, Lee CS, et al. Is Scapular Stabilization Exercise Effective for Managing Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain?: A Systematic Review. Asian Spine J. 2020;14(1):122-129. doi:10.31616/asj.2019.0055

GET YOUR LIFE BACK WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY NO PRESCRIPTION NEEDED! - CALL (866) 949-2726 TODAY!

Lara Hamad Quisumbing, PT, DPT Lara is a therapist and Cl inic Director at our Vi l lanova Cl inic Location FEATURED PT

Specialties Offered At Excel Physical Therapy

• Manual Therapy – ART & Graston Techniques • McKenzie Method • Pelvic Health • Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehab • TMD (Temperalmandibular Dysfunction)

• Balance & Vestibular Rehab • Concussion Rehab Program • Functional Movement Screens (FMS)

1. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Boston, MA. 2. Where did you attend school for your DPT? Drexel University, class of 2012.

3. Why did you decide to become a Physical Therapist? My grandfather was hit by a car while walking to work when I was in middle school. He was in his 70s and the doctors told him that he would never walk again. With the help of his physical therapists, he regained leg strength and was able to walk and function independently. I could see how much he valued his time with his PTs and how grateful he was for their care. I wanted to be able to give that to others. 4. What does patient centered treatment mean to you? Patient centered treatment means listening to what goals the patient has and tailoring their exercise program to fit those needs. 5. What is your favorite patient experience? I treat the population of Pelvic Health- this includes post-partum women. My favorite experience is getting moms back to feeling their best after having a baby. Whether they are experiencing pain, incontinence, or weakness in their abdominals, I love helping them feel confident, strong, and happy in their new body post-pregnancy.

• LSVT Big Therapy

• Lymphedema Treatment

Please visit www.excelphysicaltherapy.com/ services for more information

Common Conditions We Treat At Excel Physical Therapy

Dizziness & Concussions

Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain

Back Pain

Elbow & Arm Pain Hand & Wrist Pain

Hip Pain

Knee Pain/ Arthritis

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING WITH YOUR LOCAL PT TODAY! excelphysicaltherapy.com (866) 949-2726

Patient Success Spotlight

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“Prior to star ting physical therapy with Excel I tried chiropractic treatments for several months with no rel ief. Next I saw a pain doctor who recommended PT. First he gave me an injection to help with the pain. I star ted treatment at Excel ’s Phoenixville location. I was treated for fairly severe neck pain that had caused me to develop insomnia. For a period of about 2 months prior to PT, I slept restlessly 1-4 hours a night in a recliner. Within several weeks after star ting PT, my neck pain star ted to improve, and I was able to star t sleeping several hours a night in my bed. As my pain levels improved it allowed me to cut back on my over-the-counter pain medications. I am now sleeping restfully in my own bed; I feel like Excel restored my lifestyle. I have undergone PT treatments many times at other facilities for various injuries, and found Excel to be the most professional and best PTs I have experienced. I highly recommend Excel Physical Therapy!” - John C. (Phoenixville Patient) “Excel Physical Therapy helped restore my lifestyle!”

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EXERCISE OF THE MONTH With the hand of the side being stretched tucked behind your body, bring your ear down to the opposite shoulder and your chin towards your chest. Now look slightly over the shoulder being stretched. Hold for 2-3 seconds and repeat as necessary. UPPER TRAPEZIUS STRETCH

CHECK OUT ALL OUR NECK PAIN EXERCISES ONLINE!

Simply scan the QR Code below with your smart phone’s camera app to be taken directly to our online exercise >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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