What situation or injury led you to ORSI?

Neck arthritis made everyday movements painful and restricted my ability to turn my head comfortably. I first noticed stiffness in my cervical spine when I woke each morning. Over time, simple tasks such as checking my blind spot while driving or playing handball became sources of discomfort and frustration. I visited my primary care physician, who confirmed degenerative changes in my neck and referred me to OrthoRehab Specialists for specialized physical therapy.

How would you categorize your story?

My journey is one of regaining lost function and restoring confidence in my own body. After months of limited motion and persistent pain, I found a path back to full activity through tailored care, clear communication, and evidence-based therapy strategies at OrthoRehab.

Please share your experience

From my first evaluation at the Edina clinic, the team at OrthoRehab took the time to listen to my concerns and review my medical history in depth. The initial assessment included:

• Review of imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs to determine the extent of cervical degeneration
• A detailed symptom history to understand when and how pain occurred
• Range of motion tests to measure neck flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending
• Strength assessments for the neck stabilizers and upper back musculature
• Postural analysis to identify compensatory patterns that might be aggravating my arthritis

With these findings, my physical therapist designed a personalized plan of care focused on improving mobility, reducing pain, and rebuilding the stability needed for daily activities and sports.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Before starting any hands-on treatment, the therapist explained how neck arthritis affects joint mechanics and muscle balance. Understanding the root cause of my symptoms helped me stay motivated during challenging exercises. Key components of the evaluation included:

• Joint Mobility Testing: Gentle manual assessments of each cervical segment to identify stiff levels.
• Muscle Length Measurements: Calibrated tests for tight muscles such as the upper trapezius and levator scapulae.
• Neuromuscular Control Screening: Balance and proprioception tasks to see how neck position influenced my overall stability.
• Functional Movement Analysis: Observation of activities like turning to backseat, reaching overhead, and incline walking to pinpoint movement limitations.

This thorough approach set the stage for targeted interventions in subsequent sessions.

Personalized Treatment Interventions

OrthoRehab’s treatment plan combined multiple modalities:

• Manual Therapy: Techniques including joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and myofascial work helped restore mobility and decrease muscle tension.
• Therapeutic Exercise: A progressive program of cervical stabilization drills, deep neck flexor strengthening, and scapular control exercises.
• Postural Training: Ergonomic coaching to adjust my workstation and daily habits, reducing the stress on my cervical spine.
• Neuromuscular Re-education: Balance tasks and head repositioning exercises to improve proprioception and coordination.
• Pain-Relieving Modalities: Use of heat packs, cold therapy, and interferential electrical stimulation to manage inflammation and discomfort.
• Home Exercise Program: A carefully paced set of exercises with clear video and written instructions accessed through the patient portal.

Weekly Progress and Adjustments

Each week brought measurable improvements. My therapist:

• Tracked neck rotation and flexion in degrees to compare against baseline
• Updated exercise difficulty by adding resistance bands and unstable surfaces
• Incorporated sport-specific drills such as simulated racket swings to prepare for handball
• Monitored pain levels on a 0 to 10 scale and adjusted intensity to avoid flare-ups
• Introduced relaxation breathing and gentle yoga-inspired stretches to support overall wellness

These systematic adjustments kept me progressing without setbacks and built confidence that I could safely return to driving and sports.

Return to Driving Safely

One of my primary goals was to eliminate the discomfort I felt while checking blind spots. My therapist guided me through a graded exposure plan:

1. Controlled Range of Motion: Using mirror feedback, I practiced slow head turns from neutral to 45 degrees on each side.
2. Seated Balance: Performing head turns while seated on a therapy ball to engage core and stabilizing muscles.
3. Simulated Drive: In the clinic’s simulated car cab setup, I turned to look over each shoulder gradually, starting with short durations and increasing as tolerated.
4. Real-World Practice: On supervised community outings, I applied my new skills to actual driving scenarios under coach observation.

Within six weeks, I no longer experienced pain or dizziness when turning my head to check my mirrors. I regained full confidence in my ability to drive safely.

Handball Performance Improvement

As a recreational handball player, I feared my neck symptoms would force me to give up the sport. My therapist introduced sport-specific drills:

• Multi-planar head movements timed with catching and throwing tasks
• Dynamic scapular control exercises to support overhead hits
• Rapid head acceleration and deceleration drills to mimic game demands
• Reactive neuromuscular training using foam rollers and tennis balls against the wall

These targeted drills not only eliminated my pain during play but also enhanced my reaction time and shot accuracy. My handball game reached a new level of consistency and performance.

Maintaining Long-Term Health

Today I follow a maintenance routine I learned at OrthoRehab. My weekly plan includes:

• Daily cervical mobility and stabilization exercises
• Ergonomic checks of my office chair and computer setup
• Periodic booster sessions at the Edina clinic to reassess joint health
• Continued manual therapy when I notice early signs of stiffness

These habits keep my neck feeling strong and flexible, and prevent recurrences of pain.

Why Choose OrthoRehab Specialists for Neck Arthritis?

• Specialized Expertise: Our therapists hold advanced certifications in orthopedic manual therapy, movement systems the diagnosis, and functional training meet our team.
• Evidence-Based Practice: All interventions reflect best practice guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Personalized Care: You work one-on-one with your therapist for consistent feedback, progress tracking, and relationship building.
• Convenient Locations: We have clinics in Edina and Minneapolis with early morning and evening hours to fit busy schedules.
• Direct Access: Minnesota law allows you to start therapy without a physician referral. Schedule your evaluation online at Contact Us.

Get Started Today

If neck arthritis or any cervical spine condition limits your life, OrthoRehab Specialists can help. To verify insurance benefits or ask questions, call our business office at 612-355-2254. Choose your preferred booking method below and begin your path to pain-free movement and improved performance.