The back and neck are among the most common problem areas seen by physiotherapists, with well over half of adults experiencing some pain in their lifetime. There are many causes for back and neck pain, including injury to the area, stress, or other conditions. This pain can range from mild to severe and be acute or chronic. Pain can inhibit your daily activities, leading to a lower quality of life. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for both back and neck pain. On your first appointment at Prairie Trail Physiotherapy, you will receive a full assessment to identify any underlying causes of your discomfort and develop an individualized exercise and treatment plan.
Active Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy is activity based – meaning you will perform various exercises and movements to promote healing. Not athletic at all? That’s ok! At Prairie Trail Physiotherapy, our therapists work with people of all fitness levels, so there’s no need to worry if you have no exercise background. Exercises will be supervised to ensure proper technique and to answer any questions you may have.
The movements you’ll be prescribed will depend on your situation and the specific area of your pain, but here are some of the exercises you can expect:
Stretching: Flexibility exercises like stretches will increase the range of motion in your back and neck, improve mobility, loosen tight muscles, and correct muscle imbalances. Stretching can be static (holding one position for a long time) or dynamic (active movements that stretch the muscles to their full range of motion).
Strength: Strengthening your back and neck muscles will help reduce and prevent further pain. Usually, strength exercises will be performed for a certain number of repetitions, followed by a rest period, and then repeated (for example, three sets of 10 repetitions per exercise). Strength exercises can use weights, resistance bands, or your body weight.
Passive Physical Therapy
Passive physiotherapy for back and neck pain is a type of therapy performed on you, as opposed to exercises you perform. You are being worked on or manipulated rather than participating in the movement yourself.
Here are a few passive physio treatments you may receive at Prairie Trail Physiotherapy:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific places on the body and can be used to relieve pain and encourage healing.
- Dry Needling: Using acupuncture needles, intramuscular dry needling is a highly specialized form of acupuncture used to treat chronic pain and increase joint mobility. At Prairie Trail Physiotherapy, we have many physiotherapists with advanced training in dry needling.
- Joint mobilizations: Using their hands, the physio will apply specific pressures to joints to improve their range of motion and reduce pain.
- Massage: Massage therapy has many health benefits, including reduction and management of pain.
- Ice or Heat Therapy: Ice or cold packs can help reduce pain and swelling. Heat packs help increase blood flow and loosen stiff muscles. In some cases, heat and cold therapy can be alternated.
Back and neck pain can get in the way of your daily functions and favourite activities. At Prairie Trail Physiotherapy, we use various techniques and exercises so you can return to living pain-free. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment if you have questions or concerns.