Physiotherapy for Neck Pain in London
Neck Pain
Tired of your nagging neck pain? Neck pain has a way of creeping into everything, from turning your head, sleeping comfortably, or even relaxing with a book or watching TV. With Physit, our expert care comes to your home, giving you hands-on support to ease away pain, improve how your neck moves, and help you get back to feeling like yourself.
What Is Neck Pain?
Neck pain — like all kinds of pain — can start slowly or come on suddenly, and either way, it can be a real nuisance. It might show up as stiffness when you turn your head, an ache that settles across your shoulders, or a sharp twinge that makes all of your everyday tasks uncomfortable.
This kind of discomfort can come from the joints in your neck, the muscles that support your head, the discs that cushion your spine, or even nerves that run down into your shoulders or arms. It’s often linked to posture, stress, muscle tightness, or past injuries, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Neck pain is incredibly common, and in many cases, very treatable. With the right movement, gentle support, and guidance that is tailored to your body, relief is well within reach.
Common Symptoms of Neck Pain
Neck pain can show up in different ways, and it doesn’t always stay in one place. You might notice symptoms like:
- Pain or stiffness when turning the head, like when checking your blind spot or looking over your shoulder.
- Aching, sharp, or burning pain in the neck or shoulders, sometimes mild, sometimes more persistent.
- Headaches that start from the base of the skull, which are often linked to tension or tightness in the upper neck.
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands, which may suggest a nerve is being irritated or compressed.
- Discomfort after long periods of sitting or too much screen time.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone, and there are simple ways for you to feel better. Even mild neck symptoms can make daily life feel a lot more difficult. With the proper physiotherapy for your neck pain, it’s possible to reduce discomfort, bring back range of motion, and live a pain-free life again.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Neck Pain?
Certain factors can increase your risk of neck pain. Being aware of these can help you spot what’s adding to the strain so you can start making meaningful changes that make a difference.
Here are some of the biggest factors that put extra strain on the neck and increase the likelihood you’ll experience neck pain at some point in your life.
- Poor posture or workstation setup: Sitting or standing without good alignment can place extra strain on your neck, especially if your screen is too low or you frequently have to lean forward.
- Long hours spent looking down at screens or devices: Whether it’s scrolling on a phone or reading on a tablet, that “chin-down” or “tech-neck” position can tire out your neck muscles and stiffen your joints over time.
- Stress-related tension and clenching: When stress builds up, so does the tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. It’s a natural response, but one that can make pain worse.
- Previous injuries: Even if an injury was years ago, the aftereffects (like stiffness or a reduced range of motion) can still show up and limit your range of motion.
- Weak core or upper back muscles: When the muscles that support your posture aren’t doing their job as well as they should, the neck often takes on extra load, and that can lead to discomfort or fatigue.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain can come from many different places. Sometimes it’s the result of a medical condition, other times it builds up from our everyday habits. Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain that our physios see.
- Cervical Spondylosis (Age-Related Joint Changes): Over time, the small joints and discs in the neck naturally wear down. This condition, called cervical spondylosis, can cause stiffness, aches, or a grinding feeling, especially when turning your head.
- Cervical Disc Bulges or Herniations: If a spinal disc in the neck pushes out of place, it may press on nearby nerves. This can lead to neck pain that travels into the shoulder or arm, sometimes bringing with it tingling or numbness.
- Whiplash and Previous Injuries: Old injuries (like whiplash from a fall or accident) can leave behind stiffness or reduced movement, even years later. These effects often respond well to physiotherapy and hands-on care.
- Facet Joint Irritation: The small facet joints in your neck help guide your movements. If they become inflamed or irritated, turning your head can feel pinchy or restricted, especially after being still for too long.
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Nerve Irritation): When a nerve in the neck is compressed or inflamed, it can cause something called cervical radiculopathy. This is a condition where pain, weakness, or numbness spreads into the arm or hand.
- Everyday Strain: Stress, Posture, and Muscle Tension: Many cases of neck pain come from regular habits like poor posture, too much screen time, awkward sleep positions, or stress-related clenching of specific muscles. These small strains add up over time, but they’re often very treatable with a few simple changes in your daily habits and the right support.
How Physit Treats Neck Pain
When your neck is stiff, sore, or just not moving like it should, the discomfort often becomes the only thing you can focus on. That’s where Physit can give you relief. We bring expert, hands-on physiotherapy right to your home, making it easier to get rid of or manage pain and feel better day by day.
At Physit, we focus on long-term improvement, not just short-term fixes. We take the time to understand your body, your lifestyle, and how your symptoms show up, then build a plan that’s personalised, practical, and easy to follow.
Here’s a look at what your treatment may include.
- Gentle manual therapy: We use hands-on techniques to release tight muscles, reduce stiffness in your joints, and help your neck move more freely, with less effort and less discomfort.
- Strengthening and postural exercises: When the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back are stronger and better supported, it takes the pressure off your joints and makes your daily movements feel a lot easier. We’ll guide you through exercises that are simple but effective, matched to your pace and goals.
- Movement and ergonomic advice for daily life: Sometimes, small changes make a big difference. We’ll show you how to set up your workspace, hold your phone, or adjust your pillow to reduce everyday strain, without needing any fancy equipment or major overhauls to your lifestyle.
- Education on pacing, stretching, and flare-up management: We’ll teach you how to listen to your body, so you know when to rest, when to stretch, and how to handle any flare-ups without losing your momentum. We ensure that it’s not just about getting through the bad days, it’s all about building more good ones!
- Personalised care that evolves along with you: As your strength, comfort, and range of motion improve, your treatment plan grows with you. We track your progress, check in regularly, and adjust your exercises as needed to keep you moving in the right direction.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain
1. Can physiotherapy help with chronic neck pain?
Yes, it can. Chronic neck pain often involves tight muscles, stiff joints, and movement habits that have developed over time. Physiotherapy helps by addressing all of these together, easing away tension, improving mobility, and building strength to better support your neck. With the right plan and ongoing support, many people find lasting relief, even if their pain has been around for a while.
2. What if my neck pain causes headaches or arm tingling?
It’s not uncommon for neck issues to cause related symptoms like headaches (especially from the base of the skull) or tingling in the arm or hand. These can be signs that a muscle or nerve is being irritated. At Physit, we look at how your whole neck is moving and how your nerves are behaving, so we can treat the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. With gentle manual therapy, targeted exercises, and movement strategies, many people notice improvement in both their neck pain and related symptoms.
3. Do I need a scan before starting physiotherapy?
Not usually. Most neck issues can be assessed and treated without needing a scan. During your first appointment, we’ll talk through your symptoms and guide you through some gentle movements to understand what’s going on.
If anything suggests you might need imaging, we’ll let you know and help you get the right advice, but for most people, we can begin treatment right away and start building progress from the first visit.
4. Do I need a referral to start with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Physit, and one of our experienced physiotherapists will come to your home for a full assessment. From there, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs, comfort level, and goals.
Neck Pain Doesn’t Have to Slow You Down
You don’t have to keep pushing through the stiffness, the tension, or those little aches that add up day after day. Whether your neck pain just started or it’s something you’ve been managing for years, we’re here to help with your recovery by giving hands-on treatment, personalised guidance, and real-world advice that fits into your everyday life. No stress, no commuting, no waiting rooms — just focused care that meets you where you are.
