Headaches
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Physical therapy might not be your go-to solution for headaches, but it's better for lasting relief than painkillers, which only offer temporary relief. Many headaches stem from neck issues—cervicogenic headaches. Bad posture, stress, and similar factors can weaken or harm your neck muscles and joints, causing pain that spreads to your head. Physical therapy addresses the neck problem to give you long-term relief.
Headaches are common in Freehold, NJ, just
like they are for 80-90% of Americans who experience them now and then. Globally, headaches are a top cause of pain. At Stride Physical Therapy, whether you have the occasional headache or suffer from ongoing ones like migraines, we can help you with physical therapy.
How can physical therapy help my headache?
Are you battling migraines? Reach out to our Freehold, NJ physical therapy office now. Stride Physical Therapy commits to offering top-notch solutions for your headache relief.
During your first visit, our expert physical therapist will perform an assessment and discuss your health history and symptoms. This helps us identify the kind of headache you have and pinpoint the source of the pain.
We will create a customized treatment plan to guide your recovery.
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Unsure About Your Headache Type? Identify Your Headache!
Headaches come in various forms, each with its own cause. The three primary types are:
Cervicogenic headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches stem from neck pain linked to the upper three neck vertebrae. They arise from conditions like concussion or arthritis, and work strain too, especially in jobs needing prolonged head or neck bending, like hairdressers, truck drivers, chefs, nail technicians, and jewelers.
Musculoskeletal headaches.
Headaches caused by muscle and bone issues, often stem from tightness in the neck. Physical problems, like imbalance or injury, along with stress, usually trigger these headaches. Whiplash, a neck injury, is a typical example. It involves tearing or stretching neck muscles and tissues, which can cause severe pain in the head, face, neck, and shoulders.
Tension headaches.
Tension headaches, the most frequent type, stem from repetitive movements or bad neck/head posture. They arise when the dura mater—a sensitive layer surrounding the brain—gets strained. Nearby tiny skull muscles then spasm, prompting pain signals and resulting in a headache.
Ready to Banish Those Pesky Headaches for Good?
At Stride Physical Therapy, we offer headache treatments that ease pain, enhance posture, and strengthen neck and upper back muscles. Enjoy a more comfortable, headache-free daily life. Book your session with a Freehold, NJ physical therapist—contact us now.
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
Elevate Your Health with Our All-Inclusive Wellness Services!
Take one step closer to a pain-free life with Stride Physical Therapy! Discover medication and surgery-free solutions with our sessions.
Health Blog
Arthritis Pain Relief Without Medication
Arthritis pain in your knees or hips might make you want to reach for opioid painkillers. These drugs can offer short-term relief, but they're addictive and won't fix the real problem. Try a safe alternative: physical therapy. Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy to see how a physical therapist can help ease your arthritis pain.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis causes joint pain, tenderness, and swelling. It's a myth that it only affects old people; it can strike at any age. Treatment at Stride Physical Therapy can help get your joints moving well again and increase flexibility.
Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can be managed with physical therapy. Common symptoms include:
Swollen Tissues: Arthritis causes tissue swelling near the affected joint, often making the area warm to the touch.
Grinding Sensation: Loss of cartilage leads to a grinding feeling as bones move against each other.
Lost Mobility: Arthritic joints can restrict your range of motion, making daily tasks difficult.
Joint Stiffness and Aches: Joints are especially stiff upon waking and may be sensitive or painful to touch.
Pain: Pain during or after physical movement is common in arthritic joints.
The Dangers of Opioids
Opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths have surged fourfold in 20 years, resulting in addiction, fatal overdoses, withdrawal, and depression. According to the CDC, opioid sales jumped 300% since 1999 with daily prescription opioid deaths over 40 in 2011. Physical therapy provides a safer option.
Physical Therapy: A Safer Alternative
If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms without painkillers. During your first appointment at Stride Physical Therapy, you’ll discuss your medical history and symptoms. Your physical therapist will assess your strength, balance, and range of motion to create an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment Approaches
Manual Therapy: Therapeutic massage helps loosen muscles, increase range of motion, and relieve stiffness and discomfort in arthritic joints.
Body Mechanics: Learn how to perform daily activities with minimal strain on your joints to prevent the grinding sensation and slow arthritis progression.
Additional Treatments
Posture: Learn methods to optimize joint function and minimize pain, and how to use muscles and joints efficiently to relieve pressure.
Education: If needed, your therapist will teach you how to use assistive devices like canes or walkers properly.
Exercise and Weight Management: Your treatment plan may include exercises to strengthen muscles, support weight, and relieve joint strain. Aquatic exercises in a pool may be recommended for joint relief.
Contact Us Today
Physical therapy can help you manage arthritis pain without powerful opioids or other painkillers. Call Stride Physical Therapy today to schedule your first appointment with a licensed physical therapist. Start your journey to pain-free living and improved mobility.
