Neck Pain Physiotherapy in Melbourne
Whether it is a stiff neck from the desk, pain after a car accident, or pain that travels into your head or arm, our physiotherapists assess what is driving it and treat it with hands-on care, exercise and practical advice.
Assessment of your neck, upper back and shoulders to find what is driving your pain
Screening for warning signs that need medical review before physiotherapy
Hands-on treatment, exercise and practical desk and posture advice, chosen from your assessment findings
No referral needed for private appointments at Tullamarine, Carlton and Keilor
Common causes of neck pain we see
Neck pain has many causes, and often more than one is at play. These are some of the most common reasons people come to see us.
Desk work, posture and workload
Long periods at a desk, on a laptop or phone, or behind the wheel keep the neck in sustained positions. Over a busy week this can build into neck and upper back pain, stiffness, or tightness across the shoulders.
Stiff neck and wry neck
Waking up with a neck that is painful and hard to turn, sometimes stuck to one side, is a common reason people book. Your physiotherapist checks what is restricting movement and helps you get moving comfortably again.
Whiplash after a car accident
Neck pain and stiffness after a car or other transport accident. If you have a TAC claim number, you can access physiotherapy immediately after a transport accident without a referral from a medical practitioner. See our WorkCover and TAC physiotherapy page for how claims work.
Neck-related headaches
Some headaches are referred from the joints and muscles of the upper neck and come with neck pain or stiffness. Read more on our headache and migraine physiotherapy page.
Nerve-related arm pain
Pain, pins and needles or tingling that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand can come from irritation of a nerve in the neck. Your physiotherapist assesses the nerves as well as the neck itself, and refers you on if any findings need medical review.
How we assess your neck pain
Your first appointment is about working out what is driving your neck pain. Your physiotherapist explains what they find and what they recommend, including when a GP review is the better next step.
A detailed history of your neck pain: where you feel it, when it started, what sets it off or eases it, and whether it spreads into your head, shoulder or arm
Screening questions for warning signs that need a GP or emergency review instead of physiotherapy
Assessment of neck and upper back movement, the joints of the neck, and the muscles of the neck and shoulders
Where symptoms travel into the arm, a check of sensation, strength and reflexes
A look at your workstation set-up, driving, sleep position and daily workload
Treatment approaches commonly used in physiotherapy
Your plan is chosen from your assessment findings, so not every approach below will be right for you.
Hands-on treatment
Manual therapy, including joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques for the neck and upper back, is commonly used to ease pain and improve movement. It is used alongside exercise rather than on its own.
Exercise for the neck and upper back
A graded exercise program to restore movement and build strength, endurance and control in the neck, upper back and shoulders. Exercises are written for you, progressed as you improve, and designed to be done at home or at work.
Workstation, posture and workload advice
Practical advice on the things that load your neck through the day: desk and screen set-up, regular breaks from sustained positions, phone use, driving, sleep position and training load. Small changes here often sit alongside treatment in the clinic.
Dry needling, where appropriate
Dry needling may be used to address muscle tension and trigger points in the neck and shoulders. It is one component of a broader treatment plan, not a standalone treatment, and is only used where it is clinically appropriate for you and you are comfortable with it.
When to see a GP or go to emergency
Call 000 or go to emergency
- Neck pain after a significant trauma, such as a car accident, a fall or a blow to the head
- Neck pain with new numbness, weakness or loss of coordination in your arms or legs
- Neck pain with problems with your balance or walking, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowel
- Fever with a stiff neck, especially with a headache, a rash or sensitivity to light
- Neck pain with dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or facial numbness
See your GP first
- Neck pain with unexplained weight loss, or if you have a history of cancer or a weakened immune system
- Pain that is constant and getting steadily worse, or that does not ease with rest or change of position
- Pain that is severe at night or wakes you from sleep
- Neck pain with feeling generally unwell, night sweats or fevers
If you are not sure whether your neck pain needs medical attention, see a doctor first. If your physiotherapist finds any of these signs during your assessment, they will refer you on.
Neck pain physio at three Melbourne clinics
Neck pain physio in Tullamarine is on Melrose Drive, with free on site parking, serving Gladstone Park, Westmeadows, Airport West and Greenvale. We also see neck pain at our Carlton clinic on Drummond Street and our Keilor clinic in Keilor Downs.
Book at whichever clinic is most convenient. All three offer the same services and share the same clinical team.
Neck pain physio Tullamarine
Unit 1, 191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043
03 9116 8691Serving Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Westmeadows, Airport West and Greenvale. Free on site parking.
Physiotherapy Tullamarine
Neck pain physio Carlton
Unit 2, 221 Drummond Street, Carlton VIC 3053
03 9116 8693Serving Carlton, Parkville, Fitzroy, North Melbourne and Brunswick. Walking distance from the University of Melbourne.
Physiotherapy Carlton
Neck pain physio Keilor
53 Willys Avenue, Keilor Downs VIC 3038
03 9116 8694Serving Keilor, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes, St Albans and Hillside.
Physiotherapy KeilorBook your appointment
Book online at Tullamarine, Carlton or Keilor, or call the clinic directly and we will find you the next available time. No referral is needed for private appointments.
This page is general information only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. Neck pain has many causes. Speak with your GP about any new, severe or worsening neck pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not for private appointments. You can book online or call your nearest clinic. A GP referral is needed if you are using a Medicare EPC care plan, and WorkCover and TAC claims have their own requirements.