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Neck Painin Corpus Christi

Neck pain is a common complaint and can be attributed to a number of conditions.

Neck pain can also cause loss of motion that holds you back from living your life. The good news is that it is usually caused by joint and muscle problems, not a serious disease. A variety of neck pain treatments can bring relief.

Neck Pain Treatment Options

Our expert physical therapists will create a treatment program tailored to your specific needs. Neck pain treatment could include:

  • Patient education
  • Development of home treatment program
  • Manual therapy to normalize your range of motion
  • Hands-on therapy and (soft tissue mobilization) to work on muscle tone
  • Exercises to help normalize movement and increase strength
  • Mobilization, a hands-on technique to move the neck joints and muscles to calm pain and spasms
  • Manipulation, a single, brief, quick, small movement to specific spots on your body

Neck Pain FAQs

How do I know whether my neck pain is serious enough that I should see a professional? Should I see my doctor or a PT first?

Generally speaking, if you have experienced any type of spine pain that has persisted for more than 5-7 days, it would be beneficial to see a skilled physical therapist for a proper evaluation. This can help determine your source of pain and whether or not you would benefit from physical therapy or if you need to be referred on for advanced imaging.

We recommend seeing a PT first because research has shown that the sooner you seek care from a qualified PT, the better outcomes you’ll have and the less expensive your overall cost of care will be. There has been a lack of research correlating early imaging results and improved outcomes.

If the pain is serious enough that I’ve scheduled a visit for neck pain treatment, what should I do in the meantime? What should I avoid?

It sounds simple, but the easiest thing to avoid is the trigger that may be causing your neck pain. Some people may know the exact trigger – long hours on the computer or breastfeeding, which causes them to look down for long periods of time. Others may not know what is causing their pain but, generally speaking, long periods of time in one position should be avoided. Sleeping on your stomach is an example of a position that can compromise your neck for an extended period of time.

Our joints do not like to be still for any long period! Synovial fluid needs to flow in and around our joints in order to keep inflammation and pain under control. Gentle and non-aggravating range-of-motion exercises are typically recommended, and ice and heat can be used as needed. We also recommend taking a good look at your workspace and sleeping positions and seeing if you can make any tweaks to prevent further or future pain. We do not recommend keeping still… sitting is the new smoking!

I have pain in my shoulders and upper back, could this be caused by neck pain?

It certainly can. Spinal nerves can be impinged by several factors such as arthritis, age-related disc wear-and-tear, and/or herniated or bulging discs caused by trauma or degeneration. Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spaces in which the nerves travel, can also cause pain in your arms and shoulders. Less common but more serious would be a benign or malignant tumor which could be impinging the nerve root.

A skilled physical therapist will be able to differentiate which type of pain you are having during your evaluation.

How long until I find relief from my neck pain?

The duration of pain can depend on several factors: prior history of the condition, the severity of symptoms, age, general health status, and how quickly you seek care after the onset of pain. Our goal is to provide each and every patient with a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action for each individual’s needs and goals.

Who benefits from our Neck Pain Program?

We tailor our neck pain program to your specific needs. Treatment could include:

  • Manual therapy to normalize your range of motion
  • Hands on therapy and (soft tissue mobilization) to work on muscle tone
  • Exercises to help normalize movement and increase strength
  • Mobilization, a hands on technique to move the neck joints and muscles to calm pain and spasms
  • Manipulation, a single, brief, quick, small movement to specific spots on your body
  • Patient education
  • Development of home treatment program
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The Shea PT Difference

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Corpus Christi Location

Southside/Central

5440 Everhart
Suite 1
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • A typical order for physical therapy will ask for 2-3 visits per week for 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the order will specify something different. What generally happens is for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend 3x per week. This is because it will be the most intensive portion of your treatment. After that, it is common to taper to 2x weekly, based on your level of function and progress.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

Have more questions? Contact Us

People in Corpus Christi Trust Shea PT

Hear from some of our 960+ Reviews

Thank you for the excellent rehab experience yet again!

Your front office always had ladies at the window: friendly and willing to stop what they were doing to help when someone walked up.

My therapist Joyce and Diane were wonderful, easy to work with, and helpful if I had questions. With their watchful eye, concerned interest, and guidance I was able to achieve my goals. I proudly wear my graduation t-shirt that Joyce gave me on the inside track at Corpus Christi Athletic Club as I continue my own exercises.

5 stars

B.L.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I recently had therapy sessions for my shoulder at your facility. Not only is your staff extremely knowledgeable regarding all aspects of therapeutic treatment but also maintains a cheerful and positive atmosphere while teaching patients the exercises that benefit them. It is good to see professionals consider the whole person who is being treated. Congratulations to you and your staff.

5 stars

H.R.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I have reached the end of my therapy and want to show my appreciation to your staff. They are a great group of people. I have been to other places for physical therapy but your people have shown a personal side to the people they work with. They make you feel like a friend or family member and show a personal interest in your recovery. I would highly recommend Shea Physical Therapy to anyone needing physical therapy. Thanks again! Keep up the good work!

5 stars

J.K.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I came in a little more than three weeks ago because I could not move my shoulder at the direction of Dr. Barenstein. Then about 2 weeks ago I had my shoulder "manipulated", all through this painful ordeal Ria and Thomas were my physical therapists. These two did an absolutely marvelous job, so good in fact that they worked themselves out of a job in just 10 days after the manipulation by helping me regain almost all of the mobility and teaching me the exercises that I need to do!

5 stars

J.M.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

Just a little note of gratitude for the care I received at your facility. My experience was just as rewarding and beneficial as the first time (approximately 30 years ago). I can't thank you enough, beginning with the ladies at the front desk, Hilda & Lucy and you, Dan.

5 stars

M.N.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

Thank you for everything you have done for me. Sorry for being so much trouble. You all are amazing. I thank God for placing me with such caring, loving people.

5 stars

M.R.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

For those of you who waited, worked, tolerated and had patience with me, thank you and bless all of you. This is one of those times when saying "Thank You" does not seem like enough.

Office staff, therapy professionals, technicians - so much appreciation, and gratitude for all of you.

5 stars

N.I.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

My doctor insisted that I come to Shea Physical Therapy and now I understand why. My wife's massage therapist says you are the best. If all your therapists are the same caliber as Diane, I can understand why you have the reputation as "the best in South Texas". Thanks for offering such an outstanding service.

5 stars

P.A.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I can't thank you enough for taking the time and risk to see me even as we all struggled to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to report you the success of your efforts as I am relatively PAIN FREE these days. I remained skeptical of the treatment outcome in the middle of August. However, I continued the prescribed physical therapy regimen and precisely as predicted, six to seven weeks later I am practically PAIN FREE! Still recovering but 100% improved - THANKS to you! My sincerest appreciation for your time and efforts,

5 stars

R.K.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I want to thank Shea Therapy for all the care you have given me on my road to recovery. Your expertise and professionalism is impressive! I want to especially thank those who worked directly with me. Thank you Lucy and Hilda for always putting me in my favorite room. Thank you Diane, my direct PT, along with Shana, PTA and Alex. Thank you ladies in the front office who were always so cheery and helpful.

5 stars

T.K.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

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