RecoveryPT_Stay a Neck Ahead of Chronic Pain

NOVEMBER 2019 N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y

STAY A NECK AHEAD OF CHRONIC PAIN

LOOK UP, NECK PAIN RELIEF IS HERE!

ALSO INSIDE: Is Your Neck Pain Caused By Sleep Issues? • What Our Patients Say Exercise Essentials • Staff Spotlight • Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

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N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y

NOVEMBER 2019

WWW.RECOVERYPT.COM

STAY A NECK AHEAD OF CHRONIC PAIN LOOK UP, NECK PAIN RELIEF IS HERE!

Neck pain can be both debilitating and terrifying. When you experience an injury that leaves your neck in severe pain, the thought of not being able to freely turn your head is overwhelmingly stressful. What’s more, the pain itself is unbearable, and since the neck is so sensitive to injury, it is important to be as careful as possible in finding treatment and solutions for the pain. It is incredible to realize how common neck pain is — especially among American adults! More than two-thirds of U.S. adults will develop neck pain at least once in their life, and the reasons for the neck pain are as varied as the population of the nation itself. Injury, muscle strain and even stress can cause significant pain in the neck and upper back. If you aren’t careful, a neck injury can lead to chronic pain, and it is even possible for chronic headaches like migraines to develop as a result of regular neck pain. There are a lot of different ways that you can relieve neck pain, but the best treatment for your personal needs depends entirely on the type of injury that you’ve experienced. Here is a quick breakdown of what could be going on to cause your neck pain: If your pain is developing gradually over time and is not the result of any particular injury that comes to mind, then it may be a result of Degenerative Disc Disease . When this develops, you may experience chronic neck pain as a result of fluid-filled sacs that are becoming weakened over time as a result of stress and strain. Physical therapy can help alleviate the pain from degenerative disc disease by helping restore blood circulation and improve range of motion in the neck.

This therapy is approached in a careful and deliberate way so as to not cause further pain in the neck region. Sometimes, neck pain develops after a particular injury, such as due to athleticism or even as a result of a car accident or a slip and fall accident. When this happens, your pain could be a result of a muscle strain or sprain. When this is the case, then using traditional methods like hot and cold therapy and targeted physical therapy treatment can do a lot of good to alleviate the pain. However, attempting exercises on your own could also result in further pain. In some cases, Mechanical Neck Pain can develop as a result of a change in the neck joints. This may develop as a result of a disc collapsing, which causes the space between the bones to become narrow, often causing bones to strike one another, resulting in pain. When this isn’t addressed, mechanical neck pain can spread, causing thepain tobecomemoresevereandcoveringawiderrangeof theneck. Finally, neck pain is sometimes caused by Radiculopathy , which refers to pressure or irritation in the nerves of the neck, which alters the electrical signals in the neck, causing you to feel more pain throughout the day. Physical therapy can help reduce the pressure and irritation surrounding the nerves, often offering immediate relief from pain and discomfort. These are just some of the frequent causes of neck pain. It is important that you never assume that your neck pain is being caused by one or another of these issues, and that you instead always work with a licensed and experienced physical therapist to determine the precise cause of your pain and discomfort.

IS YOUR NECK PAIN CAUSED BY SLEEP ISSUES?

There is one more factor that often is not spoken about, but it’s a frequent cause of neck pain and discomfort: Sleeping Issues. Sometimes, sleeping in a certain position or sleeping on a mattress or pillow that is too soft or too hard will lead to neck pain. Oftentimes, this pain will appear to be chronic, as the sleeping issue is likely something that you experience day after day, causing the pain to return regularly. It may be helpful to rule out sleeping concerns as a reason behind your neck pain by assessing your sleeping conditions and making any changes that you think may be necessary. Adjust how many pillows you sleep on, the position you sleep in or even your mattress!

For more support in finding relief from neck pain, talk to your physical therapist at (917) 763-7825 or visit our website at www.recoverypt.com.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY SUCCESS STORIES I recently had a bad waterskiing accident. Recovery PT has been

Noplacehasmademe feel more supported in my journey to a

instrumental in helping me resolve issues from my ankle to my hip. Exceptionally talented, thorough, and professional, my therapist is obviously committed to helping me achieve my goal of waterskiing again next summer. He is solving a complex problem for me, and making it fun while we are at it. No other physical therapy comes close tothequalityofhelp Ihavereceived.” – C. E.

stronger, healthier body than Recovery PT. Leading up to my surgery,mytherapisteasedmymind by explaining the procedure and recovery. He worked diligently with metobuildastrongtreatmentplan. He has gone above and beyond in dealingwithmy injuries,whilebeing a joy to work with. I’d recommend Recovery PT to anyone looking to relieve pain and learn how to maintainahealthylifestyle! ” – S. L.

Cervical Retraction Stand with your back against a wall. Position a rolled up towel behind your neck. Tuck chin like you are nodding ‘yes’. Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 3 times. EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS TRY THESE EXERCISES TO RELIEVE NECK PAIN

Ekta serves as the senior therapist at our Rockefeller Center facility. She completed her Bachelors in Physical Therapy from Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physical Therapy, Mumbai, India, affiliated to Mahrashtra University of Health Sciences. Ekta received her Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy, with a concentration in musculoskeletal disorders and related physical therapy, from the University of Pittsburgh. She specializes in orthopedic, sports and spine physical therapy and has received specialized training in various manual therapy techniques and is continuing to enhance her hands-on therapy by taking multiple continuing education classes. Ekta completed the clinically demanding certification in functional manual therapy (CFMT) from the Institute of Physical Arts (IPA). Ekta is also a Certified Kinesio Taping Professional (CKTP). In her personal time, Ekta enjoys hiking and biking. Dr. Ekta is Senior Physical Therapist at our Rockefeller Center clinic. Call (646) 562-0617 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ekta, today! DR. EKTALUND PT,MSPT,CSCS,CKTP STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Levator Scapulae Stretch Place the arm on the affected side behind your back and tilt your head downward to the opposite armpit. You can use your opposite hand to guide your head further for an added stretch. Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat 3 times.

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing. Exercisescopyrightof

DIRECT ACCESS WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Physical Therapy is Easier to Get Than You Think! • A physician referral • Therapy may begin

ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH!

How Exercise Is Believed to Help Alzheimer’s Exercise can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s for those who are exhibiting early symptoms, as well as reduce the risk of developing the disease for those who have a strong genetic predisposition to the condition. Exercise also improves balance and coordination, which reducestheriskof injuryfromafallandthereby reduces risk of inhibited mobility. How Physical Therapy Supports Alzheimer’s Disease PhysicaltherapyhelpstostaveoffAlzheimer’s by combining target exercises and physical activitywithcognitivetrainingandsocialization. Designed to introduce the best practices to support optimal cognition, you will learn a

seriesofexercises,helpful lifestylestrategies, and get the encouragement you need to be successfulwithyourworkoutplan.Bystaying active,exercisingyourmindandbody,managing stress and doing your best to live an overall healthy lifestyle,youwillputyourself inthebest positionpossibletoputofftheadvancementof Alzheimer’s and enjoy life for years to come. Don’tattempttofightAlzheimer’sonyourown. Getting involved in a prevention program can pair you with the skills and support you need to stay healthy. Call us at (917) 763-7825 to find out how we can help make a prevention plan that’s right for you.

with a full evaluation by a licenced physical therapist • Patients sent by their physician can choose where they want to receive therapy

no longer needed, whether you want a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or if you want to improve your overall health and wellness

Don’t let your pain hold you back. Call us today at (917) 763-7825 or visit our website at www.recoverypt.com.