Chris

case study photo

  • Name: Chris
  • Age: 40s
  • Pain point: Neck
  • Outcome:

    Can sleep on his side without shoulder and neck pain anymore, is no longer having any pinching of his neck and shoulder, and is able to perform light stretches to alleviate any tightness on his own.

Chris’s Story

How long did you wait before deciding on physical therapy and what were the obstacles?
It was probably about 2 weeks before I came in. I thought it would get better on its own. After about 2 weeks, it was not going away and I needed some help.

What was and how bad was your problem prior to receiving physical therapy?
I had compressed some discs in my neck that caused me to have a neck strain and neck weakness that proceeded to go into my back and my shoulder.

What was your pain preventing you from doing?
The activities that I needed to do, I could get them done, but not to 100% of my capacity. Playing with my kids, taking a trip or trying to go somewhere with my neck constantly tight- I couldn’t even enjoy those normal activities.

Did you try anything else prior to PT?
I looked at stretches and exercises that I could do for my neck, I took some painkillers, but nothing seemed like it was helping.

What would you say to someone who was experiencing pain but skeptical about physical therapy?
If they’re having problems or issues, they would definitely need physical therapy to get their strength and function back and get them back where they need to be. Don’t wait too long. If it’s really bothering you and you think you need help, you probably do need help.

Out of all the things that you enjoyed about coming to Preferred Physical Therapy, what did you enjoy the most?
What I enjoyed the most was just getting the exercises and knowledge that I needed to help my injury get better. Everyone here has been really enjoyable and nice, so I enjoyed the whole process.

What were you wanting to achieve with PT?
I wanted to achieve getting my normal activities back to being enjoyable, without having pain. I wanted to go through my normal work cycle and perform my duties as needed without having pain in my neck or limited mobility. So yes, I feel like I’m at that point right now. They gave me exercises to go home with and stretches to do. If I need to come back, I’ll come back. But right now I feel great.

What to Watch Out For:

Pain scale: 9/10
Pain description: Radiating pain from neck into L shoulder with increased weakness into arm
Worse with:
  • Looking up
  • Turning head
  • In the AM
  • After workouts
  • Sleeping
Better with:
  • Stretching
  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Staying active

Now Watch the Video to Hear the Full Story…

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Flemming Arnott
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