Neck pain physiotherapy

Neck pain can arise from cervical disc issues, muscle strain, poor posture, or whiplash injuries. Physiotherapy addresses the root cause of neck pain and helps prevent recurrence through targeted exercises and ergonomic changes.

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT, licensed in the US and UK. 20 years of clinical experience.

The cervical spine supports the weight of your head and allows a wide range of movement. This mobility makes it vulnerable to strain, especially with modern habits like prolonged screen use. Chronic neck pain affects daily activities, sleep quality, and can lead to headaches.

Our physiotherapists assess your cervical spine mobility, muscle strength, posture, and workplace setup to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific issues. Treatment typically combines hands-on therapy with exercises you can continue at home.

Common causes

Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear)
Muscle tension and strain from stress or posture
Text neck from prolonged phone use
Whiplash from accidents
Cervical disc herniation
Nerve compression or radiculopathy

Treatment approach

Cervical joint mobilization techniques
Deep neck flexor strengthening
Postural retraining for work and daily activities
Ergonomic assessment and guidance
Dry needling for muscle trigger points (when appropriate)
Progressive home exercise programs

Key exercises for neck pain

These exercises are commonly prescribed for neck pain. Consult a physiotherapist before starting, especially if you have acute pain.

Chin tucks

Sitting tall, draw your chin straight back as if making a double chin. Hold for 5 seconds. Strengthens deep neck flexors and corrects forward head posture.

Neck rotation stretch

Slowly turn your head to one side until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Upper trapezius stretch

Tilt your ear toward your shoulder and gently press down on the opposite side of your head. Relieves neck and shoulder tension.

Scapular squeezes

Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds. Strengthens the upper back muscles that support the neck.

Levator scapulae stretch

Turn your head 45 degrees to one side and look down toward your armpit. Gently pull your head forward to stretch the side of the neck.

Need personalized guidance? A physiotherapist can assess your specific condition and tailor an exercise program for you. Start online physiotherapy

Recovery timeline

Acute neck pain often improves within 2 to 4 weeks of physiotherapy. Chronic neck pain or cervical spondylosis may require 6 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment. Many patients report noticeable improvement in pain and mobility within the first week of treatment.

When to see a physiotherapist

See a physiotherapist if neck pain persists beyond a few days, limits your ability to turn your head, causes headaches, or radiates into your arms. Seek immediate medical attention if neck pain follows a head injury, is accompanied by fever, or causes weakness or numbness in your arms or hands.

Frequently asked questions

Can physiotherapy fix neck pain from sitting at a desk?
Yes. Desk-related neck pain is one of the most common and treatable conditions we see. Physiotherapy combines postural retraining, strengthening of the deep neck stabilizers, and ergonomic guidance to resolve current pain and prevent it from returning.
Is it safe to exercise with neck pain?
Gentle, guided exercise is usually beneficial for neck pain. Your physiotherapist will assess which movements are safe and design a program that gradually restores strength and mobility without aggravating your symptoms. Avoiding all movement can actually prolong recovery.
What causes neck pain and headaches together?
Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the cervical spine, particularly the upper neck joints and muscles. Tension in the suboccipital muscles, joint stiffness, or poor posture can refer pain into the head. Physiotherapy addressing the neck often resolves these headaches.

Treatment cost

Treatment is the Spine & Joint package of 14 sessions: ₹6,800 online, or ₹8,500 for home visits in Vijayawada.

Not ready for a package? Start with a single 1-hour session of consultation and initial treatment: ₹649 online, or ₹799 at home in Vijayawada. The full amount is credited if you continue into a package within 14 days.

Every package includes

  1. 1Initial assessment
  2. 2Personalised exercise plan
  3. 3Supervised sessions and everyday movement
  4. 4Progress reviews
  5. 5Clinical completion summary

Each session is 45 minutes to 1 hour. How often you have sessions depends on your condition and stage of recovery, and you choose times that suit you.

No doctor's referral needed. How we screen · Check your warning signs

Illustrated exercises

Step-by-step pictures, how many to do, and common mistakes. Your physiotherapist will choose which suit you.

Browse the exercise library
Dr. Rajendra

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT. Licensed to practice in the US (NY state) and UK (HCPC).
20 years of clinical experience. About Dr. Rajendra

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