physiotherapy for neck pain in cheltenham
Supportive care to help you turn, move, and live without discomfort
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can make daily life feel unnecessarily difficult — whether it’s a constant ache, stiffness when turning your head, or sharp pain that appears during work or exercise. It often develops from issues such as muscle strain, poor posture, cervical joint irritation, nerve compression, whiplash, arthritis or changes in how the neck moves. Symptoms may build gradually through long hours at a desk or appear suddenly after a quick movement, awkward position or minor injury.
Why Choose Straight Back Physio
At Straight Back Physio, our HCPC‑registered physiotherapists focus on reducing neck pain, restoring comfortable movement and rebuilding strength so your neck feels supported and mobile again. Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific injury and goals, combining hands‑on physiotherapy with targeted exercises that make working, driving and daily life easier. Whether your neck pain is new or something you’ve been managing for a long time, we guide you through a clear, structured recovery that helps you move confidently again. No rushing, no jargon, no pressure — just expert guidance and a plan that genuinely supports long‑term relief.
Clear Guidance. No Rushing. No Jargon.
From your very first session, you’ll understand what’s causing your neck pain, which movements are safe, and how we’ll help you get back to moving comfortably again. You receive a thorough assessment, hands‑on treatment and steady, meaningful progress you can feel — without confusing medical language or feeling pushed through the process.
“After breaking an arm and then injuring my neck I went to see Straight back Physio, based on a personal recommendation. The difference that they made was immense - the level of discomfort decreased quickly and there is no doubt that the speed of my recovery was improved significantly.”
RH, Google review
Types of Neck PAIN injuries
Neck Strain
A neck strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle or tendon stretches too far and tears. This injury, also called a pulled muscle, can vary in intensity depending on the tear’s size and location. The neck’s muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues can become overstretched when the head is held too far forward or tilted at an angle for too long.
Some examples include being hunched over a computer for several hours, holding the phone between the ear and shoulder, or sleeping in a position that does not support the cervical spine well. It is also likely for the neck to become overexerted and strained when lifting something that requires too much work for the muscles.
Neck strain treatment will initially be focussed on reducing your pain and increasing the range of movement in your neck. This may include
Exercise Programmes, Massage, Postural Realignment, or Soft Tissue Treatment, mild ones see improvement in 1-2 weeks with full recovery in 2-4 weeks, moderate ones take 4-6 weeks to full recover and severe ones generally take 6-12 weeks for a full recovery.
whiplash injury
A whiplash injury to the neck is commonly caused by road traffic accidents and also in contact sports. In most instances the head is either violently thrown forwards or backwards due to an impact causing injury to the structures in the neck. Typically there is little or no pain at the time of injury, but a gradual increase occurs in the intensity of the pain over the following 2–3 days.
Most people who have whiplash feel better within a few weeks, but some people have pain for months or years after the injury. Physiotherapy treatment is extremely important for a whiplash injury. After initial diagnose of your injury, and its severity, we will be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
We use physiotherapy for a whiplash injury
to reduce your pain and increase the range of movement in your neck. This may include Manual
Manipulation, Postural Realignment, Soft Tissue Treatment, and whiplash rehab exercises, short-term pain reduction in 2-3 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.
cervical spondylosis
The neck is made up of seven bones called vertebrae. In between these vertebrae are shock absorbing discs. These discs have a tough, fibrous outer layer and a gel-like core. As we reach middle age our discs start becoming thinner and the edges of the vertebrae can become rough. Cervical spondylosis is wear and tear of these structures in the neck resulting in irritation of the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
Physiotherapy for cervical spondylosis is an effective treatment option. Following the initial assessment we can develop a treatment plan specifically for you. Physiotherapy treatment for cervical spondylosis often comprises of a home exercise program to increase the range of movement and muscle control of your neck. Other physiotherapy treatments may include
Postural / ergonomic advice, Massage, Heat or ice therapy, or Soft Tissue Treatment, short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.
herniated disc
A herniated disc is when a disc in the neck compresses a nerve causing pain. A disc is circular tissue that sits between each vertebra in the spine. A herniated disc occurs when the tough lining is damaged and the soft tissue protrudes through the damage, compressing the nerve. The damage to the lining can be caused by wear and tear due to ageing, poor posture, or lifting a heavy object or turning or twisting your upper body too quickly.
Physiotherapy treatment for herniated disc can be very beneficial and can relieve symptoms. Treatment may include,
Heat therapy, Ultrasound, Postural advice and exercises, Range of movement exercises, Stretching exercises, Strengthening exercises, Pilates, or Manual mobilization, short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-12 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities.
We offer affordable physiotherapy in Cheltenham, providing caring, high‑quality treatment that supports your recovery without stretching your budget.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you’re looking for one of the most trusted physiotherapists in your area, you’re welcome to book an appointment at our Cheltenham clinic — no need for a physiotherapy referral from your GP.