Over the years, physical therapy has become is becoming the most sought after treatment for relieving muscle aches and back pains. If you suffer from a prolonged neck pain, it is advisable to visit a physical therapist who will not just help you to relieve your neck pain, but also increase flexibility and restore movement of the neck.
Physical therapy constitutes of both, a passive as well as active treatment approach. Both these approaches help your body to relax and relieve the pain.

Hot Therapy: By the use of hot therapy, there is an increased flow of blood to the affected area.
Increased flow of blood ensures that there is a steady flow of nutrients and oxygen along with the proper removal of waste byproducts created due to the muscle spasms.

Cold Therapy: On the other hand, cold therapy helps in decreasing the inflammation, pain and muscle spasm. Physical therapists usually alternate between these therapies in order to minimize the pain and reduce re-injury.


Deep Tissue Massage: This technique is specifically targeted at the site of pain. With the use of direct pressure and friction, the therapist tries to relieve the pain buildup due to daily stress. Traction: Under this methodology, the spine is stretched in order to mobilize it to reduce pain. This may be done manually or by the use of a mechanical device.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): It is a machine developed to stimulate the muscles by the use of safe intensity electrical currents. It is very useful in reduction of muscle spasm. One of the greatest advantages of TENS is its ability to increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins are the natural painkillers of our body and therefore help to relieve neck pain. TENS machine can also be used at home under the supervision of your physical therapist.
In case of active treatment, your physical therapist will introduce you to various exercises that will strengthen your muscles, ligaments and tendons. Furthermore, these exercises also help to increase flexibility and range of motion so that the joints are able to move easily. Your physical will also guide you to manage your injury in case of flare ups.
It is important to note that every physical therapy program is customized according to the patient’s needs and the severity of your pain condition. Your physical therapist will first evaluate your condition, gather your previous medical history and then chalk out the exercise regimen. Every individual has different causes for neck pain, thus physical therapist derives a different exercise program for every patient.
With the advancement in technology and further studies into the effects of physical therapy, those who have been suffering from various pain conditions now have a solution in the form of exercises and other treatments. Physical therapy is an ideal way to cure any ailment related to spine, back and neck pain.