Bridge RoadNeck pain
Neck pain physiotherapy in Richmond
Neck pain is common with desk work, driving and poor sleep, and most of it is not a sign of serious damage. I work out what is driving yours, explain it in plain language and build a plan around your work and training.
Common neck problems I see
- Neck pain and stiffness from desk work, screens or driving.
- A sudden stiff or locked neck after sleeping awkwardly or turning quickly.
- Pain spreading into the shoulder blade or arm, or pins and needles in the hand.
- Headaches that start in the neck.
- Neck pain with gym training or contact sport.
You do not need a referral to book. Not sure your problem fits? Call 0458 007 583 and ask.
What the first appointment involves
The initial consultation is 45 minutes, one to one with me. It covers:
- How it started and what eases or aggravates it.
- Neck and upper back movement, and the strength of the surrounding muscles.
- Nerve checks, such as sensation, reflexes and arm strength, when symptoms spread into the arm.
- Your work setup, sleep and training.
- Screening for anything that needs a doctor’s review.
Most neck pain does not need an X-ray or scan. If a scan or a medical opinion is needed, I will explain why and organise the next step with you or your GP.
How rehabilitation works
- Understand. What is causing the pain and what to expect.
- Settle. Adjust aggravating positions and activities while keeping the neck moving.
- Rebuild. Progressive exercise for neck and upper back strength and endurance.
- Return. Get back to full work, training and sport, with a plan for flare-ups.
When to get medical help first
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department now if you have:
- neck pain after a car accident, a heavy fall or a hard hit in sport, especially with numbness, tingling or weakness. Keep as still as possible
- a sudden, severe headache, unlike any you have had before
- dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, a drooping face, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- a stiff neck with fever and headache, or feeling very unwell, drowsy or confused
See your GP promptly, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, if you have:
- arm weakness or numbness that is getting worse
- clumsy hands, or new trouble with balance or walking
- neck pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
Common questions
Usually not. Most neck pain is assessed and managed without imaging. If a scan would change the plan, I will tell you and organise it with you or your GP.
It is often part of the picture, along with sleep, stress, how long you sit without moving and your training. The assessment looks at all of these, and the plan covers the ones that matter for you.
Headaches that start in the neck are assessed and treated. A headache that is sudden and severe, or comes with weakness or changes in vision or speech, needs urgent medical care first.
Other areas
Bridge Road Physiotherapy also treats sports and everyday injuries, gym and lifting injuries, running injuries and cricket injuries.
Get your neck assessed.
Choose a time online, or call if you want to ask something first. You will speak directly with Thihan.