Dr. Gregory LeMoine, PT DPT began his practice with the mission to treat every patient as a family member and friend. He uses the latest techniques to heal and restore those who are struggling with pain and discomfort of the musculoskeletal system. He evaluates and treats the root factors of various issues in the body. Through Baltimore, MD neck pain therapy treatments, your health and life can be transformed. Dr. LeMoine has more than 17 years of outpatient physical therapy experience. He also promotes drugless health solutions, working with patients to eliminate the causes of their discomfort by not merely suppressing the symptoms involved. Please reach out to us at LeMoine Physical Therapy if you would like to learn more!
Why Neck Pain Develops
When it comes to neck pain, it can be felt in the upper spinal area, just below the head, or the back of the head. When certain nerves get affected, this pain can go beyond the back of the neck and travel to areas like the upper back, arm, and shoulder. Neck pain can be due to trauma, such as a slip and fall, car accident, or sports injury. Our neck pain physical therapy treatments can benefit anyone, of any age. Poor posture, smoking, obesity, office and computer work, repetitive lifting, and athletic activity are all factors that can cause neck pain to develop. If you have any of the following neck related symptoms, we encourage you to contact us about Baltimore neck pain therapy:
- Difficulty turning or tilting your head
- Dull, sharp, burning, or throbbing pain in the neck
- Involuntary contraction of neck muscles
- Lightheadedness or dizziness when moving quickly or standing up
- Sensitivity to touch or pressure in neck area
- Pain that radiates through the upper back, arms, and shoulders
- Trouble with lifting or holding objects
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, or fingers
- Pain or discomfort that worsens with movement or overtime
How Neck Pain Affects Daily Life
When our team provides neck pain treatments, we know that symptoms can affect your daily life, overall mood, and personal relationships. Those with neck pain may have difficulty engaging in normal activities, such as playing sports, gardening, working, driving, or simply turning their head smoothly. Much of the neck pain that people experience does not require surgery in order to fix. Our neck pain physical therapy treatments can help you greatly reduce or eliminate neck pain, regain fluid movement, and get back to participating in activities you enjoy.
A physical therapist from our clinic can assess your neck pain, identify a possible root cause, and then create a plan for alleviating the intensity and frequency of your neck pain. Chronic neck pain is considered any pain flare-up that lasts for longer than a few weeks. With help from a physical therapist who can tailor to your individual needs, you can regain strength and flexibility back in your neck area.
Here are just a few stretches and exercises that we may suggest regularly doing to help alleviate chronic neck pain:
Head and Shoulder Rolls
These are great for warming up before other exercises. Keep shoulders relaxed and arms at sides. Head upright, lift, and roll shoulders. Do ten rolls forward and then ten rolls backward, pausing briefly between each roll. Before rolling the head, you want to stretch your neck. Shoulder blades relaxed, head sitting directly over neck upright, begin by dipping chin slowly toward the chest. Hold this for a few breaths, unless you feel pain, then stop and call us!
Otherwise, hold for a few inhales and exhales, then switch to stretching your head over to the left and right side and with the head tilted back. Be sure not to do a full head roll, as this can strain your neck and make matters worse.
Prone Rows for Muscle Strength
Depending on the severity and reason for your neck pain, a physical therapist will recommend specific stretches. Lie facedown on your bed or another comfortable surface. Your face should be in the corner so you can dangle your arms off both sides. Row with your arms upward, bending the elbows and then squeezing shoulder blades together, but don’t move your head. Try one or two sets of 20 repetitions, and add light weights if it is too easy.
Neck Stretch While Seated
This can be especially helpful for those who sit at a desk for work or hobbies. Sit upright in the chair and with feet flat resting on the ground. Extend your left arm over your left side and put your left hand over the top of your head. Tilt your head gently to the right, using pressure with your hand to slowly intensify the stretch. If you can hold for 30 seconds, then do so; otherwise, stop if there is any pain. Repeat on the other side. This stretch helps elongate the levator scapula muscles on each side of the neck.
How Family Members Can Get Involved
Caring family members of someone who recently was in a severe accident may need help about how they can support their loved one. Family members may need training on how to help their family members without taking away opportunities for recovery and becoming self-sufficient.
Contact LeMoine Physical Therapy Now
To hear more about how neck pain therapy in Baltimore, Maryland at LeMoine Physical Therapy can help alleviate your chronic neck pain, call us today to schedule an appointment!
Tips for Optimizing Physical Therapy Sessions
Neck pain therapy in Baltimore, MD, may be the proper treatment for pain management and recovery. As a prospective patient, we know that you are likely excited to experience some relief from your injuries finally. With excitement, some level of apprehension over what will be expected of you and what you can expect from your physical therapy treatments may also come. At Lemoine Physical Therapy, we want you to receive optimal results, which is why keeping the following tips in mind will be critical to the healing process:
Tip #1: Choose the Right Professional
Choosing a physical therapist is critical to ensuring you receive the best possible outcomes. Be sure to select an area physical therapist with the proper credentials, flexible scheduling, and the resources available to help treat your condition. Sometimes, your physician may recommend getting the process started.
Tip #2: Stay Consistent with Scheduled Appointments
Your physical therapist will gain an understanding of your injuries, physical limitations, and pain levels at your first session. From there, they will prescribe a plan of care that will include the frequency of sessions and exercises to engage in at home. While keeping up with neck pain therapy in Baltimore, Maryland can feel like a chore, it is critical to your recovery.
Tip #3: Do Your Homework
Reducing pain levels and increasing range of motion will not happen by just engaging in your in-person physical therapy sessions. Your PT is likely to provide you with several exercises to complete at home. Depending upon the treatment plan, your physical therapist may recommend that you do them several times a week. You will be limited to the number of times you can see your physical therapist each week, and doing your homework will ensure that you can receive the best outcome possible. Disregarding the recommended exercises could impact recovery and even prolong the healing process.
Tip #4: Be Honest About Your Pain
Your physical therapist will track pain levels at each session to monitor your progress. You must be honest about pain levels that are specific to you. It may even be a good idea to keep a log, tracking pain levels from week to week so that you can provide the most precise possible picture. This information is critical for your physical therapist as they will use it to gauge your treatment plan. Extreme physical pain may indicate a deeper issue, and exercises could be hurtful if patients are not honest about their pain levels.
Tip #5: Continue Following Doctor’s Orders
Many patients may also be under the care of a physician for their injuries. While our team will work closely with your medical team to ensure a holistic care plan, know that it’s important to continue following your doctor’s treatment plan as well. Continue taking medications as prescribed and following recommendations from your doctor as this will play a role in recovering from injuries.
Planning for Your First Appointment
It’s not uncommon for patients to have some level of apprehension over what they can expect from their first appointment with our team. Coming as prepared as possible can help us to gain a clear understanding of your injuries while we develop a plan of care for you. Most first sessions last for 60-90 minutes. We will listen to your needs and ask questions about your:
- Pain levels
- Medical history
- Injuries
We will also test your range of motion, strength and look for any instabilities. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, as your first session will likely consist of learning exercises that you will be asked to complete at home.
LeMoine Physical Therapy
Our team at LeMoine Physical Therapy understands that dealing with neck pain can be frustrating. You may have tried different methodologies with little to no lasting results. Let us consult with you about Baltimore neck pain therapy, and learn more about your symptoms so that we create a care plan that suits your needs. We hope to support you in the journey of achieving less pain and discomfort. We are here to get started healing you today!