physiotherapy for neck pain in cheltenham
relax your neck, refresh your life
Neck pain can make even simple activities, like turning your head, working at a desk, or sleeping feel difficult. Physiotherapy is a highly effective form of treatment for neck pain, whether it’s from an injury, operation, or wear and tear. Physiotherapy does this without requiring medication and can often be used as an alternative to surgery.
Why Use a Physiotherapist for Neck Pain?
- Natural Pain Relief – Gentle, evidence‑based techniques reduce pain through movement, strengthening muscles, improving posture, and restoring mobility, without relying on medication or invasive procedures.
- Improved Mobility – Targeted exercises, and manual therapy, gradually increase the neck’s range of motion, making everyday activities easier.
- Posture Correction – Physiotherapy helps identify and correct poor posture by addressing muscle imbalances, teaching proper alignment, and prescribing targeted exercises that strengthen weak areas and release tight ones.
- Long‑Term Prevention – Weak muscles around the neck and shoulders make you more prone to strain. Physiotherapy builds strength in the cervical stabilizers, upper back, and core, creating natural support for the spine.
- Personalised Care – Every person is different, causes of neck pain range from posture issues to injuries or chronic conditions. We design exercises and therapies that match your body’s needs.
Treatment For Neck Pain May Include
- Manual therapy - A hands‑on physiotherapy technique used to ease stiffness and tension by mobilising joints, relaxing tight muscles, and improving circulation.
- Strengthening exercises - Weak neck and shoulder muscles often contribute to pain, stiffness, and poor posture. Physiotherapy builds strength, restores balance, and helps to support the spine naturally.
- Stretching programs - Neck stiffness can make everyday activities like turning your head, driving, or working at a desk uncomfortable. Physiotherapy restores flexibility, reduces tension, and improves posture.
- Postural training - Poor posture is one of the most common causes of neck pain. Physiotherapy helps patients reduce tension, restore alignment, and prevent future problems.
- Safe movement strategies - Moving your neck safely is an important part of physiotherapy. By understanding proper techniques, patients can reduce pain, prevent injury, and build confidence in everyday activities.
Common Neck Pain Conditions We Treat
- Neck strain
- Whiplash injuries
- Cervical spondylosis (age‑related changes in the spine)
- Herniated Disc
- Postural‑related discomfort (desk work, phone use)
What to Expect
At Straight Back Physio will begin with a thorough assessment to understand your neck pain and its causes. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that balances hands‑on therapy with exercises you can do at home. With consistent physiotherapy treatment, patients regain flexibility, reduce pain, and move more confidently in everyday life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
Book now
Schedule an appointment with a neck physiotherapy expert in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, we provide a comprehensive approach to neck pain treatment, utilizing various recommended therapies specifically designed to help you stay free from pain and injuries. Our preventative services are aimed at supporting your overall well-being and boosting your activity levels.
Recover faster, our chartered physios can usually get you back to redoing the activities you can't do now within 4 to 8 sessions.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique
save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
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 want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
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. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.