If you’ve ever received physical therapy for an injury, you’re well aware of how effective it is at helping you get your normal life back. But did you know that physical therapy for neck pain can help prevent future injuries, too?
Whether you work at a desk or are on your feet all day, physical therapy for back pain in New York will help you feel stronger, healthier, and more mobile. Below, learn about the top physical therapy benefits from our providers at Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC.
How New York Physical Therapy Can Help With Injury Prevention
Although our bodies are tough, they’re not infallible, and that becomes more true the older we get. Our jobs, household chores, and even our favorite hobbies greatly affect our neck and spine health.
One study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that neck pain affected about 203 million people globally in 2020. The study also estimated the number of global neck pain cases to rise to 269 million by 2050, largely caused by an aging population.
Back pain is just as common as an aching neck. The National Health Interview Survey found that 39% of adults suffered from back pain in 2019. Women and adults aged 65+ were more likely to experience back pain than other groups.
These numbers are sobering, but neck and back pain don’t have to be inevitable. Here’s how physical therapy for neck pain helps you prevent injuries, stay strong, and retain your mobility.
Improves Your Balance for a Reduced Risk of Falls
Balance problems aren’t just scary; they can also be dangerous and even deadly. People who suffer from dizziness and poor balance struggle to work, drive, and do the things they once loved.
Older people are especially susceptible to fall injuries due to balance issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that about 1.4 million older adults are hospitalized after a fall every year, and that falls caused 83% of hip fracture deaths.
Physical therapy helps prevent dangerous falls by teaching you techniques that improve your balance. Through therapeutic exercises, you’ll learn how to stay steadier on your feet.
Teaches Better Posture
Think you’re not at risk of injury because your job involves sitting at a desk all day? Think again. Sedentary jobs can lead to a host of health problems, from cardiovascular issues to diabetes. Additionally, people with desk jobs often have poor posture, which greatly contributes to chronic neck and back pain.
About 80% of jobs in America involve mostly sedentary work, which means there’s a safe bet that yours does, too. Exercise combats some of the effects of a sedentary day-to-day, but if your posture is poor, you’ll end up with nagging pain sooner or later.
If you’re looking for injury prevention techniques that’ll help you avoid work-related aches and pains, physical therapy is the answer. In physical therapy, you’ll learn how to align your spine properly while sitting, significantly reducing the risk of chronic pain. We can also provide tips on how to prevent pinched nerves and carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition affecting people who work at desk jobs that involve frequent typing or mouse use.
Promotes Easier Rehabilitation After Surgery
Are you having an upcoming surgery? Your doctor may have told you that you would be out of commission for eight weeks or more. And if you’re an older adult, the recovery period could be even longer. One study found that it took some older adults up to six months to recover to their pre-surgery condition.
What if you could shorten your rehabilitation time by a few weeks? It’s possible with a special type of physical therapy called prehabilitation.
Before your surgery, our providers will help you prepare by teaching you exercises to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. The goal is to get you in a strong, healthy state so you have a better chance of a faster recovery.
Ready To Experience Back and Neck Pain Relief? Contact a Physical Therapist in New York
Physical therapy can speed up your recovery after an injury, but it’s equally as effective at keeping aches and pains at bay. By visiting a physical therapist for neck pain, you’re making an investment in your health for which your future self will thank you. Book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Physical Therapy for Back Pain
Learn more about physical therapy benefits and how it assists with pain management here.
How Effective Is Physical Therapy for Neck Pain?
Research has shown that physical therapy is highly effective at treating and preventing neck pain. One 2017 study published by the Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that participants who followed a physical therapy and exercise regimen reported a statistically significant difference in pain levels at follow-up appointments.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Physical Therapy?
Although everyone is different, most people will start to experience results within two to three months of starting physical therapy.
How Can You Tell if Physical Therapy Is Working?
You can tell if physical therapy is working if you experience lower pain levels, improved balance, and better mobility. You may find that you can do things that you once weren’t able to because of pain.
Is One Session a Week Good Enough for Physical Therapy?
One physical therapy session may be good enough if your goal is to prevent future injuries. If you’re receiving physical therapy for neck pain or back discomfort, you may need two to three sessions per week.
