Experiencing a concussion can be a daunting and challenging ordeal, often leaving individuals with lingering symptoms long after the initial injury. One common and particularly troublesome symptom is neck pain. This discomfort can significantly affect everyday tasks, making it essential to deal with it promptly and effectively. Concussion physiotherapy in Edmonton aims to alleviate neck pain, enhance recovery, and restore function. Physiotherapy helps to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support overall well-being.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Alleviating Neck Discomfort from Concussions
Concussion physiotherapy in Edmonton plays a crucial role in managing neck pain associated with concussions by addressing both the physical and neurological dimensions of the injury. Here are some key ways physiotherapy helps:
Pain Relief Techniques:
Manual Therapy:
Gentle manipulation and mobilization of the neck joints and soft tissues help reduce neck pain and improve mobility.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Methods such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy focus on specific muscle tightness and spasms to alleviate neck pain from concussions.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (METs): These involve the patient actively contracting muscles against a counterforce to lengthen and relax tight muscles, reducing neck pain related to concussions.
- Cervical Traction: A gentle pulling force applied to the neck helps decompress spinal structures and relieve pain associated with concussions.
Massage Therapy:
Targeted massage techniques relieve muscle tension and spasms that contribute to neck pain.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Focused pressure on deeper layers of muscle tissue targets chronic tension and knots, helping alleviate persistent neck pain from concussions.
- Neuromuscular Therapy: Combines deep pressure and specific techniques to address underlying muscular issues contributing to neck pain associated with concussions.
Modalities:
Electrical Stimulation:
Techniques like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to manage neck pain effectively.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Utilizes low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves and reduce neck pain associated with concussions by interrupting pain signals sent to the brain.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: Utilizes high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deeply into the tissues, promoting healing and reducing neck pain and stiffness from concussions.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Employs low-intensity lasers to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and alleviate neck pain resulting from concussions.
Restoring Mobility:
Range of Motion Exercises:
Specific exercises are designed to restore normal neck movement and prevent stiffness.
- Neck Flexion and Extension: Slowly bend the neck forward (chin to chest) and then extend it backward (looking up) to improve overall neck movement and alleviate stiffness from concussions.
- Lateral Flexion: Tilting the head toward each shoulder (ear to shoulder) to enhance side-to-side flexibility and reduce neck pain associated with concussions.
Stretching Routines:
Targeted stretches alleviate muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
- Levator Scapulae Stretch: Turning the head to one side and looking down, then gently pulling the head forward to stretch the levator scapulae muscle, reducing tension and neck pain from concussions.
- Scalene Stretch: Tilting the head to one side and slightly back while gently pulling on the collarbone of the opposite side to stretch the scalene muscles and alleviate neck pain associated with concussions.
Strengthening Muscles:
Strengthening Exercises:
Gradual, controlled exercises strengthen the neck muscles, providing better support and reducing the likelihood of future pain.
- Shoulder Shrugs: Lifting the shoulders towards the ears and then lowering them helps strengthen the upper trapezius muscles.
Postural Training:
Correcting posture helps alleviate strain on the neck and prevents exacerbation of pain.
- Seated Posture Correction: Teaching proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine while sitting to reduce strain on the neck muscles. This includes keeping the back straight, shoulders relaxed, and head aligned with the spine.
Standing Posture Exercises:
- Wall Angels: Standing with the back against a wall, raising and lowering the arms while keeping them and the back of the head in contact with the wall, which promotes proper alignment and strengthens postural muscles.
- Pelvic Tilt: Standing with feet hip-width apart, gently tilting the pelvis forward and backward to find a neutral spine position, reducing lower back and neck strain.
Neurological Rehabilitation:
Vestibular Therapy:
Addresses balance and coordination issues that often accompany concussions, helping to reduce dizziness and improve stability.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Focusing on a stationary object while moving the head side to side or up and down to improve visual stability and reduce dizziness related to concussions.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Techniques like the Epley maneuver to treat (BPPV) benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a common vestibular disorder that can occur after a concussion.
Oculomotor Exercises:
Enhances eye movement control, reducing symptoms like headaches and dizziness that can worsen neck pain.
- Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Exercises: Moving the head while keeping the eyes focused on a stationary target to improve the coordination between eye movements and head movements, reducing dizziness and neck pain from concussions.
Education and Advice:
Ergonomic Advice:
Tips on maintaining proper posture and setting up ergonomic workspaces to minimize neck strain.
Workstation Setup:
- Monitor Positioning: Ensuring the computer monitor is at eye level to reduce neck strain from looking up or down for extended periods.
Proper Sitting Posture:
- Back Support: A lumbar roll or cushion is used to support the lower back and maintain the natural curve of the spine.
- Head and Neck Alignment: Keeping the head aligned with the spine and avoiding leaning forward or tilting the head for long periods.
Achieving Relief and Recovery:
Concussion physiotherapy in Edmonton offers a comprehensive and effective approach to managing and alleviating the discomfort associated with this common post-injury symptom. By employing targeted exercises, manual therapies, and personalized concussion treatment plans, In Step Physical Therapy in Edmonton aims not just to alleviate discomfort but also to restore full neck function and enhance overall well-being. With personalized activity modifications and ergonomic advice, patients are equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent future pain and maintain optimal neck health. In Step Physiotherapy is committed to guiding you through each step of your rehabilitation process, ensuring that you can restore your quality of life and return to your daily tasks with confidence and comfort.
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