Reset-Wellness

Treatment for Neck Strain 

Neck strain, outside of a fall or collision, may heal on its own, with most symptoms disappearing after about a week.
More severe injuries can take up to 12 weeks to completely heal.

If your injury appears less severe, it’s recommended that you:

• Periodically ice your neck in 15-minute increments over the next two to three days.
• Apply heat to your neck after two to three days of icing, only after the swelling has gone down.
• Reduce swelling with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Temporarily use a neck brace for support.
• Modify your daily and athletic activities, avoiding anything that places strain on the muscles and tendons, as this could worsen the injury.
• Consider massage to reduce any pain and muscle knots once the swelling has gone down.

For more severe injuries accompanied by symptoms of a concussion, seek medical attention immediately.

Following a more severe neck injury, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your neck muscles and guard against future injuries. Your treatment will likely start with exercises designed to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles in this area.
Whether you recently experienced trauma or have decades of poor posture, our physical therapists can develop a neck therapy plan to help you recover: send us an email if you want treatment or more information