Passive Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

 When applied as part of a physical therapy program for neck pain, passive treatments are used to help reduce pain and/or stiffness. In theory, when pain and stiffness are reduced, exercises for the neck can be more effective.

Treatment for a Stiff Neck

Types of Passive Physical Therapy

Some passive therapy treatment types, also called modalities, include:

• Ice and/or heat therapy. Ice or cold packs may be applied to help reduce pain and swelling. Heat packs may be applied to increase blood flow and loosen stiff muscles. In some cases, heat and cold therapy may be alternated, depending on the patient’s injury or preferences.

• Massage therapy. 
• A massage can help loosen and relax muscles, which may reduce pain and stiffness. When treating neck pain, it is common for the back of the neck and surrounding areas to be massaged, including the back of the head, shoulders, and back.

• Electrotherapy. 

  
  

• This therapy uses a device to send a mild electrical current via wires to the area that is injured or painful. There are various types of electrotherapy for different purposes, such as altering pain signals, stimulating muscle contractions, promoting tissue healing, and sending pain relief medicine through the skin (iontophoresis). The most common type of electrotherapy for neck pain is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which sends electrical pulses to the sensory nerves beneath the skin with the goal of altering pain sensations into a more tolerable feeling.

• Ultrasound. A cold gel is typically applied to the painful or swollen area, then a handheld device is gently rubbed against the skin while sending high-energy soundwaves beneath the surface and into the tissues. Some people find that ultrasound gives a mildly warm sensation that relaxes muscles and reduces pain.