Neck Pain Relief Seattle, Bellevue, ""Issaquah, WA

Neck Pain Relief

Philip P.

"I went to Matt Plantinga at MTI Physical Therapy on referral from UW Sports Medicine for a persistent and painful stiff neck issue. Matt and his staff have been fabulous. He is incredibly knowledgeable and patient focused. He has been great about explaining what and why we are doing certain exercises. I have experienced a drastic improvement in my neck in the few weeks I have been going to MTI. I would highly recommend Matt and MTI to any and everyone that has any bio-mechanical and pain related issues that they are committed to addressing."

Pat W.

"If you are fortunate to have Samantha as your physical therapist, you will have an amazing recovery!! I have been a client of Sam's for 16+ years. I will never go anywhere else for physical therapy. She has helped me through a number of issues including neck & shoulder pain, knee pain, & hip replacement. I have had nothing but stellar care from her. She is a very innovative physical therapist utilizing a combo of manual manipulation and gym exercises. I always left each session feeling GREAT! I have been to other physical therapists over the years. They would load me up with exercises only to review them at the next P.T. session. There was never any gym workout and they didn't seem to care if I was progressing or not. Sam is VERY caring and professional and always made sure my questions were answered and I felt good about my progress. She truly cares about her clients. I liked that she would change up the gym routine from time to time which I felt helped my progress significantly. Sam is THE BEST physical therapist EVER! I give Sam my highest rating. She is the catzmeow!!"

Carl B.

"Anne took plenty of time to get a good history from me, and proceeded to do a very thorough evaluation of my condition. She educated me on the problem, gave me specific exercises to address it and encouraged me to check back in with her to assess my progress. She also did some treatment which left me feeling better than when I arrived."

Luke D.

"I was having right shoulder and neck issues and was unsure whether to see a PT, sports medicine doc, or a chiropractor. I am really glad to have sought care here first. Matt was able to do a thorough evaluation and provide treatment in our first visit. I feel confident that with his guidance, I will be able to both solve my problem, and prevent future problems similar to this."

Veronika Z.

"I’ve been seeing Eric for my back and neck problems and have only great things to say about my experience. I would highly recommend seeing him."

Leslie B.

"Christine Taylor is the best Physical Therapist I’ve ever had and I’ve experienced several due to multiple body challenges. The only reason I can function as a yoga teacher and person with chronic migraines triggered by tension in my neck, back and shoulders is because of Christine’s healing hands and body movement wisdom. She has taught me how to move pain free while building strength and flexibility where it is needed. Christine always listens to my questions and concerns and then responds with well thought out answers and inventive ideas to help me. My life has been forever enriched by working with Christine. Thank you for all you have done. You are the best!"

Neck Pain Hindering Your Daily Life? Find Relief with Physical Therapy

By the time people seek treatment for their neck pain and headaches, it’s not because of the occasional twinge, but rather for problems that have lasted several weeks or months. Your neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and sharp pains can prevent you from functioning properly in your day-to-day life. Common complaints include not being able to turn one’s head fully, all-over neck soreness, migraines and tension headaches, stabbing pain localized to one spot on the neck, or pain that radiates as far down as the fingertips.

Neck pain can be scary, but often does not involve significant nerve injury. Simple joint and muscle dysfunction can cause pain in the neck, as well as refer to the arm. Even your balance could be impaired with simple joint stiffness in the neck. Orthopedic manual physical therapy can help with all these issues. If a significant nerve injury does exist, or maybe you have had neck surgery, we are specially trained to address your problem.

Headaches can also be the result of joint and muscle impairments in the neck. In some cases, the causes of your headaches or neck pain may be obvious — if you’ve recently been in a car accident or suffered a sports injury, for example. Often, however, problems can develop through previous injury, postural strain from having to perform the same action repeatedly. In addition, if you’re often obliged to spend too much time at your desk or in the car, the resulting muscle weakness can add to the problem. If you have had a previous shoulder problem, your headache or neck pain may even be aggravated compensating for a weak shoulder. Our innovative care strategies at MTI Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief.

How can physical therapy relieve my neck pain? 

Physical therapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pain. At MTI Physical Therapy, our OMPT trained physical therapists will conduct an initial physical evaluation to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you have due to your pain.

They will then create a diagnosis that will determine the make-up of your treatment plan. You will work together to understand the goals and expectations of each step in your individualized treatment plan, with the main focus being overcoming neck pain and recovering as quickly as possible so you can return to the activities that you love, pain-free.

Treatments for your neck pain will most likely include manual or “hands-on” therapy (manual therapy), which consists of special joint and soft tissue techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion.

Therapeutic Exercise can also help your neck. This is not “strengthening” but specifically designed and dosed movements to reduce your pain, improve joint motion and normalize muscle coordination that controls the movements of the joints in your neck. Did you know that weakness in your neck, even when pain-free, can also contribute to pain, fatigue, and weakness in your shoulder and elbow? If you have had chronic neck or shoulder pain a more specific combined shoulder and neck therapeutic exercise program is often necessary.

Our team of highly trained physical therapists will also help you learn how to better position yourself during your daily life to avoid relapses, including ergonomic and posture tips.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

When someone experiences neck pain, it typically runs from the base of their skull to the top of their shoulder blades, finally settling in the back of the neck. There are a number of reasons why neck pain may occur.

The pain can vary in severity, from a constant dull ache to sharp and stabbing pains. Neck pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
  • Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
  • Headaches
  • Arm weakness
  • Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
  • Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
  • Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long

Contact us or request an appointment today at our Bellevue, Edmonds, Magnolia, Fremont, First Hill, WA clinics so our physical therapists can help you quickly resolve the debilitating neck pain you’re feeling now, and learn how to prevent it in the future.