Same Day Appointments for Quick Pain Relief
At SportsHealth Physiotherapy, we pride ourselves in assisting people with their recovery within the first few days of seeing them for treatment. Our SmartSpine Neck program has been designed based on the latest guideliness and evidence from treatments work best in both acute and chronic neck pain. Our initial approach would definately aim to resolve pain and restore you movement, however, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and tools to reduce the likely hood of a future neck injury. We use a wide range of in clinic intervetions that include hands on soft tissue therapy, dry needling, shockwave therapy and exercise therapy to ensure that you are in less pain starting from the very first appointment.
Relief From Neck Pain After the First Appointment!
Expert Cervical Pain Treatment in Richmond & South Yarra: Get to the Root Cause of Your Neck Pain
If you're an office worker constantly battling neck stiffness or an active adult experiencing recurring upper spine pain, you're not alone. Cervical (neck) pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in Melbourne — especially among professionals working long hours at desks and active individuals placing repeated strain on their upper body. At our physiotherapy clinics in Richmond and South Yarra, we specialise in evidence-based cervical pain treatment designed to uncover the root cause, relieve your discomfort, and prevent future flare-ups.
With years of clinical experience and a holistic, hands-on approach, our team of highly trained physiotherapists offers targeted treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle, activity level, and long-term goals.
Why Cervical Pain Needs More Than Temporary Relief
Many people try to “push through” neck pain, assuming it will resolve on its own. But what starts as a tight neck or dull ache can evolve into more serious issues like chronic headaches, nerve impingement, shoulder dysfunction, or even reduced mobility. That’s why we go beyond temporary symptom relief to investigate and treat the underlying cause of your pain — whether it's related to poor posture, muscular imbalances, joint stiffness, repetitive strain, or injury.
Our goal is to help you move well, feel strong, and avoid recurring problems, all while making treatment accessible and practical for busy Melbourne lifestyles.
Personalised Treatment for Office Workers and Active Adults
Whether you're stuck behind a desk or regularly hitting the gym, your neck pain deserves a treatment plan that’s personalised to your daily routine.
For Office Workers:
We understand the toll prolonged sitting, poor ergonomic setups, and digital device use can take on the cervical spine. Many of our Richmond and South Yarra clients experience pain that radiates into the shoulders or upper back — classic signs of postural overload. Our treatment includes:
Postural assessment and workstation education
Manual therapy to release stiff joints and tight muscles
Targeted exercises to strengthen deep neck flexors and postural muscles
Dry needling or shockwave therapy, when appropriate, for deeper muscle release
We’ll also provide a desk setup guide and practical tips to implement straight away at home or in the office.
For Active Adults:
Runners, weightlifters, swimmers, and recreational athletes often overlook the neck during training. Repetitive loading, poor technique, or previous injuries can cause significant cervical strain. Our active clients benefit from:
A thorough biomechanical assessment
Correction of movement patterns contributing to overload
Soft tissue work and joint mobilisation
Return-to-sport rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies
No two bodies are the same, and neither are the reasons behind neck pain. Our treatment plans are as unique as you are.
Specialist Services That Support Faster Recovery
As part of our cervical pain program, we offer a range of advanced physiotherapy treatments that work alongside traditional hands-on therapy and exercise rehab.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing and break down muscle adhesions and scar tissue. In neck-related cases, it’s particularly effective in:
Chronic tightness in the upper traps or levator scapulae
Muscle knots that haven’t responded to massage
Long-standing postural imbalances
We include this at no extra cost, unlike many clinics that charge for this premium service.
Dry Needling
For deep-seated trigger points or persistent tension, dry needling can offer rapid relief. This technique involves inserting fine, sterile needles into tight muscles to restore normal function and reduce pain. It’s especially useful in:
Headaches originating from neck tension
Shoulder and neck stiffness due to overuse
Recovery from acute or repetitive strain
All our physiotherapists are fully certified in dry needling, ensuring safe and effective treatment every time.
Prevention First: Why Long-Term Results Matter
Relieving neck pain is only part of the picture — we’re committed to helping you stay pain-free for the long haul.
Our approach focuses on:
Postural correction: Helping you maintain better spinal alignment throughout your day
Strength and mobility training: Building resilience in muscles that support your neck
Education and habit change: Teaching you the why behind the pain so you can prevent it
We don’t just hand you a list of exercises and hope for the best. Every patient receives a physiotherapist-monitored home program, complete with progressions, check-ins, and hands-on reassessment as needed. The biggest advantage of the self care that we provide is that you will have videos and detailed instructions of all your excersies.
Start Your Recovery Today
Cervical pain doesn't have to limit your work, your workouts, or your life. Whether you're experiencing neck stiffness, radiating shoulder pain, or recurring headaches, we’re here to help.
Our team at SportsHealth in Richmond and South Yarra combines modern physiotherapy techniques with genuine, personalised care. With a focus on root-cause diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment options, and long-term prevention, we’ll help you reclaim your strength and freedom of movement — starting with your very first appointment
Common Questions that we are asked in the clinics:
What is the best way to treat neck pain?
The most effective treatment from our experience is a combination of hands-on soft tissue treatment and joint mobilization techniques.
A typical plan includes:
Manual therapy to reduce joint stiffness and muscle tension. This usually works best as the first line of treatment.
Specific exercises for deep neck muscles and shoulder blade support
Posture and desk/phone setup changes
Advice on activity modification (keep moving, avoid long periods of stillness)
Short-term use of heat/ice or pain relief as needed
Most neck pain improves significantly when you stay active and follow a tailored exercise program rather than resting for long periods.
What are the causes of neck pain?
Common causes include:
Poor posture and long hours at a computer or phone
Muscle strain and tightness
Facet joint irritation or mild disc changes
Whiplash or sudden jerking movements
“Wear and tear” (cervical spondylosis/arthritis)
Less commonly, neck pain can be related to fracture, infection, inflammatory disease, or cancer. These usually come with “red flag” symptoms (see below).
Does neck pain cause nausea?
It can. Joints and muscles in the upper neck are closely linked to balance and the autonomic nervous system. When irritated, they may cause:
Nausea or a “sick” feeling
Dizziness or light-headedness
Headaches or visual discomfort
However, sudden severe headache, vomiting, fever, collapse, or neurological symptoms (weakness, difficulty speaking, double vision) need urgent medical assessment.
What medicine is good for neck pain for kids?
For children, always follow advice from your GP or paediatrician and check weight-based doses.
Common options:
Paracetamol – usually first choice for pain relief
Ibuprofen – sometimes used if there is no history of asthma flare, stomach issues, or kidney problems
Never give aspirin to children. Medication should support, not replace, assessment, gentle movement, stretching, and improving posture/school desk setup.
How do I relieve neck pain in 5 minutes?
You won’t “fix” the cause in 5 minutes, but you can reduce symptoms:
10–15 gentle chin tucks (small nodding movements)
20–30 second upper trapezius stretch on each side
Thoracic extension: sit tall, lean back over the top of a chair
Light scapular squeezes (shoulder blades back and down)
A warm pack on tight muscles if you find heat soothing
These are good “resets” during the workday. Long-term results come from a consistent, tailored program.
What is a red flag for neck pain?
Seek urgent medical attention if neck pain is associated with:
Recent serious trauma (car accident, big fall, head strike)
Fever, night sweats, feeling very unwell, or recent infection
Unexplained weight loss or history of cancer
New weakness, clumsiness, or difficulty walking
Numbness in both arms/legs, or bowel/bladder changes
Sudden, severe “worst ever” headache
These symptoms are rare but important to rule out serious causes.
What medicine can stop neck pain?
For adults, common short-term options (check with your GP or pharmacist):
Paracetamol
NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) if appropriate
Topical anti-inflammatory gels or creams
Short courses of muscle relaxants or stronger medications in selected cases
Medication can reduce pain but does not correct stiffness, weakness, or poor mechanics. Physiotherapy and exercise are essential for long-term improvement.
Is heat or ice better for neck pain in a child?
As a guide:
Ice – useful in the first 24–48 hours after a minor injury (bump or strain), especially if there is swelling
Heat – usually better for postural tightness, stiffness, or “cricked” neck from sleeping awkwardly
For most non-traumatic neck pain in kids, gentle heat (warm, not hot) with a cloth barrier is more comfortable. Always supervise and check the skin.
Are there home remedies for neck pain in kids?
Yes, as long as there is no trauma or red flags:
Gentle stretches (ear to shoulder, chin tucks, slow rotation)
Short periods of warm packs
Checking backpack weight (ideally ≤10–15% of body weight)
Improving homework/screen setup and encouraging movement breaks
Comforting, reassurance, and normal daily movement
If pain lasts more than 3–5 days, follows an injury, or the child seems very unwell, organise a professional assessment.
What not to do with a sore neck?
Try to avoid:
Long periods of bed rest or using a cervical collar without advice
Sudden self-cracking or forceful twisting
Heavy overhead lifting or contact sports while pain is acute
Long, uninterrupted screen sessions
Sleeping on your stomach or on multiple thick pillows
Gentle, regular movement is usually better than complete rest.
What sleeping position is best for neck pain?
Best options:
Side sleeping with a pillow that fills the space from shoulder to neck so your spine stays straight
Back sleeping with a medium or slightly thin pillow that supports the curve of your neck
Try to avoid stomach sleeping, as it forces your neck into prolonged rotation. Some people find a contoured cervical pillow helpful, especially in persistent neck pain.
What pressure point relieves neck pain?
Common muscle “trigger points” that may ease neck tension when gently pressed:
Upper trapezius – halfway between neck and shoulder
Levator scapulae – upper inner corner of the shoulder blade
Suboccipitals – small muscles at the base of the skull
Apply comfortable, sustained pressure for 30–60 seconds while breathing slowly. This can be a useful adjunct but should be combined with stretching and strengthening for lasting change.
Is my pillow causing neck pain?
Possibly. Signs your pillow may be contributing:
You wake with more pain or stiffness that eases during the day
You frequently need to “punch” or fold the pillow to get comfortable
The pillow is very old, flat, or lumpy
Choose a pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral, straight line when lying on your side or back. Pillows often need replacing every 1–2 years.
What are the signs of a pinched nerve in the neck?
A “pinched nerve” (cervical radiculopathy) can cause:
Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain down the arm
Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
Weak grip or difficulty lifting the arm
Symptoms that worsen when turning or extending the neck, and sometimes ease when you rest the hand on top of your head
If you notice weakness, severe or worsening pain, or loss of coordination, seek prompt medical or physiotherapy assessment.