Conquering Neck Pain & Headaches:

A Tale of Two Journeys

— November 2025 —

Meet Sarah and John, two individuals living with persistent neck pain and debilitating headaches. Their paths to relief would prove to be markedly different.

Sarah’s Struggle with Neck Pain and Headaches

Sarah, a dedicated marketing manager, had always been an overachiever. Her job often demanded long hours hunched over a computer, fine-tuning marketing strategies, and meeting deadlines. The stress of her high-pressure job seemed to manifest physically as she began experiencing persistent neck pain and frequent headaches.

At first, Sarah chalked it up to stress and the demands of her work. She relied on over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort. These pills provided a semblance of relief, and she was grateful for the brief respite they offered.

However, as the weeks turned into months, Sarah noticed the pain progressing. What was once manageable headaches had evolved into searing pain that left her incapacitated. Neck pain became a constant companion, interfering not only with her work but also with her ability to enjoy the things she loved most in her life.

Sleepless nights became the norm, and the pain began to affect her overall well-being. Simple tasks like turning her head to check traffic while driving or enjoying dinner with friends became excruciating endeavors. Sarah realized that the medication she had relied on was no longer effective, and her life was spiraling out of control.

John’s Journey to Recovery

On the other hand, John, a software engineer, faced a similar battle with neck pain and headaches. Like Sarah, his job required long hours in front of a computer screen. Initially, John also turned to over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the discomfort.

Unlike Sarah, John recognized that temporary relief wasn’t enough. He knew he needed a more comprehensive solution to address the root cause of his pain. After researching, he decided to seek help from Preferred Physical Therapy Associates.

John’s treatment began with an assessment by one of our physical therapists, who thoroughly evaluated his posture, range of motion, and muscle strength at his first appointment. He also met with our occupational therapist, where he discussed his work habits and daily activities to identify potential triggers for his pain. 

Thanks to both assessments, it became apparent that his neck pain and headaches were closely tied to poor ergonomics at work and muscle imbalances in his neck and upper back.

With this understanding, we designed a personalized treatment plan that included:

  • Manual Therapy: John’s physical therapist performed manual techniques to release tension in his neck and upper back muscles. This provided immediate relief and improved his range of motion.
  • Targeted Stretches: Our therapist taught John stretches to help relieve muscle tension and improve mobility in the neck joints and upper back muscles to help reduce the frequency and intensity of neck pain and headaches.
  • Postural Correction: John learned exercises to improve his posture and strengthen his neck and upper back muscles. These exercises helped him maintain better positions during long hours at the computer.
  • Ergonomic Education: Our occupational therapist provided John with personalized strategies for optimizing his workspace ergonomics, including raising his computer monitor to eye level and using an ergonomic chair at his desk. The small changes made a significant difference.

The Contrasting Outcomes

As John diligently followed his physical and occupational therapy plan, he began to experience positive changes. The frequency and intensity of his headaches diminished, and his neck pain significantly subsided. With his newfound knowledge of ergonomics and posture, he felt more in control of his health.

Sarah, on the other hand, continued to rely on over-the-counter medication in a futile attempt to manage her pain. Her condition worsened, and the once manageable headaches evolved into debilitating migraines. Sleepless nights persisted, and her daily life became increasingly limited.

It wasn’t until Sarah saw John’s transformation that she decided to take action. Just as John had done months earlier, she sought the guidance of the team at Preferred Physical Therapy Associates. Through a comprehensive evaluation and a tailored treatment plan, Sarah began her journey to recovery.

A Lesson Learned: Seek Comprehensive Care at Preferred Physical Therapy Associates

While temporary relief from over-the-counter medication may offer initial respite, addressing the root cause of the problem is essential for lasting improvement. Our physical therapists and occupational therapist will guide you toward a life free from chronic pain and headaches by addressing posture, ergonomics, and muscle imbalances. 

It’s never too late to seek the path to recovery and regain control of your life!

Your Progress Matters To Us!

Return to Preferred Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!

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Staff Spotlight: Kamille Johnson, MHA, Director of Operations

Tsakaia Berkeley Kamille was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in the Bahamas. She brings a diverse perspective and a lifelong commitment to helping others. A proud mother of two and one fur baby, Kamille believes her purpose in life is to use her skills and talents to make a positive impact.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida Memorial University and an Executive Master’s in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University, Kamille has dedicated her career to improving both patient care and operational efficiency. Kamille is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (since Spring 2004). She now serves as the Director of Operations for Preferred Physical Therapy, focusing on team development, streamlined operations, and delivering the highest quality of care. 

Favorite Quote:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Thanksgiving Season

Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a time to come together and celebrate what we’re thankful for. While traditional advice often emphasizes the basics, let’s elevate your approach to physical well-being this season with these cutting-edge tips:

  • Dynamic Warm-Up Before the Turkey Trot: If you’re planning a Thanksgiving morning run or family games, forget old-school stretching. Use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and boost your range of motion.
  • Text Neck Prevention: As we catch up on social media or text friends and family Thanksgiving wishes, “text neck” can be a real issue. Counteract this by sitting tall or not at all and doing neck stretches every hour.
  • Mindfulness Through Movement: Instead of sitting to meditate or relax, try combining mindfulness with gentle movements like Tai Chi or a light stroll through the neighborhood. 

Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to ensure you have the best Thanksgiving yet!

November Word Scramble


nrbareycr
tfuisngf
ouoarncpic
iamylf
drapea
altkunhf

Answer Key

cranberry
stuffing
cornucopia
family
parade
thankful

ANOTHER
5 STAR REVIEW

“I can’t say enough good things about my PT Tammy at Preferred Physical Therapy! She was friendly, informative and supportive throughout all of my sessions! The office as a whole was great from the front desk to the support staff. Tammy, thank you!😊”

 –Sherry D.  

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Due to the ever-changing world of healthcare and the evolving field of physical therapy, Preferred Physical Therapy Associates has created a Membership Program to help us continue providing the same high-quality, personalized care we’ve offered for the past 18 years. This program allows us to strengthen relationships with our patients, build lasting trust, and offer enhanced services that go beyond traditional care.

For $109, Members gain access to multiple modalities, including Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and more, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to your health and wellness. All patients of Preferred Physical Therapy Associates are eligible to become Members, and while we encourage everyone to join, participation is optional.

Membership Program

Click to find out more about the benefits of the Membership Program at Preferred Physical Therapy!

This Delicious Healthy Spinach Dip is the perfect guilt-free snack, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a light bite, it’s a tasty way to enjoy a classic favorite.

Enjoy This Seasonal Healthy Recipe!

Delicious Spinach Dip

  • 2 x 10 oz packages chopped spinach, frozen
  • 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced + 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp oil, for frying
  • 2 cups Greek or regular plain yogurt, at least 2% fat
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Defrost spinach in a colander overnight or microwave it. Squeeze out excess water and place in a medium bowl. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and carrot in a bit of oil for about 7 minutes. Add to the spinach along with yogurt, mayo, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Grate in more garlic to taste. Chill for a few hours if possible. Serve with pretzel chips or brown rice crackers.

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Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.

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