Specialist MSK physiotherapy · UK
Neck physiotherapy, by a specialist cervical spine physio.
Evidence-based first-line care for mechanical neck pain, whiplash, cervicogenic headache, cervical radiculopathy and post-op rehab - from CSP and MACP registered physios who screen for the red flags before laying on a hand.
Why patients choose us
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CSP and MACP registered physios
Specialist MSK physiotherapists with post-graduate training in the cervical spine and upper quadrant - not a generic gym rehab.
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Red flags screened first
Cervical myelopathy and cauda-equina-type presentations are surgical, not physio-first. We screen for them before any hands-on work.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private neck physiotherapy costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our vetted physios. Sports and workplace insurance schemes usually cover it; NHS is funded via GP → FCP → MSK triage.
In short
Private neck physio: £60–£140/session, typical course 6–8 sessions.
| Pathway | Indicative range | Typical duration | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment (private) | £70–£140 | 45–60 min | Same visit plan |
| Follow-up session (private) | £60–£110 | 30–45 min | Weekly typical |
| Block of 6 sessions (private) | £360–£700 | 6 × 30–45 min | Over 6–8 weeks |
| Whiplash-associated disorder pathway | £420–£900 | 6–10 sessions | Over 6–12 weeks |
| Cervical radiculopathy pathway | £480–£1,100 | 6–10 sessions | Over 6–12 weeks |
| Post-op neck rehab (ACDF, arthroplasty, laminectomy) | £600–£1,400 | 8–12 sessions | Protocol-guided |
| NHS via GP → FCP → MSK triage | Funded | 6–8 sessions typical | Waits vary |
Prices vary by region, by physio and by whether adjuncts (acupuncture, dry needling, taping) are included. Insurance-covered patients pay only the excess. We confirm cover before booking.
The problem
The right physio, the right pattern, the right pathway.
Most neck pain does not need a scan and does not need surgery. It needs a specialist MSK physiotherapist who can tell mechanical pain from radiculopathy from myelopathy - and who screens before they treat.
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Not sure what pattern you have?
Acute mechanical, whiplash, cervicogenic headache, radiculopathy - we tell you which fits before you book.
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Worried about a scan?
Most necks do not need an MRI. We tell you when they do - and refer you into a spinal pathway if they do.
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Want it done properly?
CSP and MACP registered physios with post-graduate cervical training - and specialist screening before any manipulation.
The journey
From enquiry to review - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to review - with a home programme that carries the plan between sessions.
Phase 1 · Before your first session
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
Assessment and first treatment
Phase 3 · After
Progressive loading and review
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Where the pain is, how long, whether it radiates into the arm, and whether there is any numbness or weakness.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right physio for the pattern - acute mechanical, whiplash, cervicogenic headache, radiculopathy or post-op - and an indicative price.
- 03
Before
We arrange the first appointment
Usually within one to two weeks. If your GP has already referred you into an NHS FCP or MSK triage pathway, we tell you when to stay in it.
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On the day
Assessment on session one
Cervical range of movement, muscle length and strength, a neurological screen, upper limb tension tests, and cervical distraction and compression as needed.
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On the day
Hands-on and a plan
Cervical mobilisation, soft-tissue release and, where appropriate and safe, cervical manipulation by a specialist-trained physio. Home programme starts the same day.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
Written exercises, ergonomic advice for desk work, and a clear plan of how many sessions you should expect.
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After
Progressive loading and review
Deep cervical flexor activation, scapular stabilisation, thoracic mobility and graded resistance work. Typical course is 6–8 sessions, reviewed at each visit.
Typical end-to-end: 6–8 weeks for most patterns. Post-op and radiculopathy pathways: 8–12 weeks.
When it helps
When neck physiotherapy is the right step.
The patterns we see most, plus the red flag that means a spinal surgeon, not a physio.
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Acute mechanical neck pain
Sudden stiffness and pain after a bad night or an awkward movement - usually settles with postural work, activation and gradual loading.
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Whiplash-associated disorder
After a rear-end shunt or fall. Early gentle movement and progressive activity beat a prolonged collar for WAD Grade I–III.
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Cervicogenic headache
Headache driven from the upper cervical spine - retraining the deep flexors and extensors, plus upper cervical mobility, is the mainstay.
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Cervical radiculopathy
Nerve-root pain radiating into the arm with pins and needles. Nerve mobilisation, cervical traction and directional preference work help most cases.
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Chronic non-specific neck pain
Pain that has outstayed its welcome. Pain neuroscience education, graded exposure and aerobic plus resistance work rebuild confidence and capacity.
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Office and desk-driven neck pain
“Text neck”, laptop hunch and long screen days. Ergonomic assessment, movement snacks and resistance training reset the system.
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Post-op neck rehab
After ACDF, cervical arthroplasty or cervical laminectomy - protocol-guided restoration of range, strength and function.
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Red flag: cervical myelopathy
Progressive hand clumsiness, loss of balance, brisk reflexes or bladder change - surgical priority, not physio-first. Same-day medical review.
Interventions
Hands-on, exercise, and the bits that hold it together.
Every plan mixes hands-on work with exercise and ergonomic change. Adjuncts like taping, TENS or acupuncture help - they do not replace the loading.
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Cervical mobilisation
Graded oscillatory movements applied to the neck joints to restore range and reduce pain. Comfortable and low-risk.
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Cervical manipulation (specialist)
A brief, controlled thrust technique. Only used by specialist-trained physios, after screening, and never with instability or vertebral artery risk factors.
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Soft-tissue release and dry needling
Trigger point release, myofascial work and - with some physios - dry needling for stubborn muscle points around the neck and shoulder girdle.
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Nerve mobilisation and traction
For cervical radiculopathy. Neural glides, cervical distraction and, where indicated, specialist traction to offload the nerve root.
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Exercise therapy
Deep cervical flexor activation, scapular stabilisation, thoracic mobility, aerobic conditioning and progressive resistance - the bit that changes long-term outcomes.
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Taping, TENS and thermal
Adjuncts that quiet symptoms so you can move. Useful in the short term; never the whole plan.
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Acupuncture
Offered by many MSK physios for chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headache. Evidence is modest but favourable as an adjunct.
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Ergonomic and home programme
Desk, screen and pillow set-up, movement snacks and a clear home programme - the work between sessions is what compounds.
Our vetted UK network
Specialist MSK physios, we picked them.
A small panel of CSP and MACP registered physios with cervical spine and upper quadrant expertise, across the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every physio in our network.
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CSP-registered, HCPC-registered physiotherapists
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MACP or equivalent post-graduate MSK training for cervical work
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Specialist training required before cervical manipulation is offered
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Clear pathways into spinal surgery for cervical myelopathy or progressive radiculopathy
Safety and complications
What to expect - honestly.
Neck physiotherapy is safe and evidence-based for the vast majority of neck pain. The things worth planning are red-flag screening, adherence to the home programme, and knowing when to stop.
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Some soreness after treatment is normal
Transient soreness or a short-lived increase in symptoms for 24–48 hours after hands-on work is expected and settles.
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Cervical manipulation is very rarely risky
Vertebrobasilar dissection after cervical manipulation is estimated at 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000. Modern screening reduces it further.
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When manipulation is avoided
Not used with cervical instability, vertebral artery risk factors, active inflammatory disease, recent trauma, or where signs of myelopathy are present.
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Whiplash - move early, avoid the collar
For WAD Grade I–III, early gentle movement and staying active beat a prolonged soft collar. Chronic WAD often needs a psychology-informed pathway.
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Cervical myelopathy is surgical
Progressive clumsiness, gait change, brisk reflexes or bladder symptoms are red flags for cervical myelopathy - refer for MRI and spinal surgery, not physio-first.
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Radiculopathy - most settle without surgery
The majority of cervical nerve-root pain settles with 6–12 weeks of structured physio. Persistent weakness or unrelenting pain is a surgical conversation.
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Adherence is the active ingredient
The home programme is not optional. Long-term outcomes in chronic neck pain track adherence to exercise more than any single hands-on technique.
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When to stop and seek review
New arm weakness, worsening numbness, gait change, bladder or bowel change, fever or unexplained weight loss - stop, and seek same-day medical review.
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Red flags for A&E
Neck pain after significant trauma, sudden severe headache with neck stiffness, or new neurological loss - A&E, not a physio clinic.
Reading your physio notes
Your physio notes in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever physio you see, the notes and plan you take home keep to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
The exercises between sessions are where the change happens.
If you would like us to talk you through the plan or the home programme, just ask.
- 01 Header
Pattern and working diagnosis
Which pattern your neck pain fits - acute mechanical, whiplash, cervicogenic headache, radiculopathy or chronic non-specific - and what has been ruled out.
- 02 Findings
Range, strength and neurological screen
Cervical ROM, deep flexor endurance, scapular control, upper limb tension tests, and any neurological changes to power, sensation or reflexes.
- 03 Plan
Hands-on, exercise and home programme
The interventions used in-session, the exercises to do at home, ergonomic changes to make, and how many sessions to expect.
- 04 Impression
Review timing and safety-net advice
Read this first: when you will be reviewed, what should be better by then, and the red flags that mean you stop and seek medical review.
Recognised by major UK insurers
MSK physiotherapy is covered by most PMI, sports and workplace insurance schemes on referral. We confirm cover, session limits and any excess before you book.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about neck physiotherapy.
Quick answers on how many sessions, safety, cost, and when you actually need a scan.
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How many physiotherapy sessions will I need for neck pain?
Most acute and mechanical neck pain settles in 4–6 sessions over 4–8 weeks. Whiplash, cervicogenic headache and radiculopathy usually need 6–10 sessions over 6–12 weeks. Chronic neck pain is a longer, exercise-led pathway with intermittent hands-on work.
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Is neck manipulation safe?
In specialist hands, with proper screening, cervical manipulation is very low risk. Serious events such as vertebrobasilar dissection are estimated at 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 1,000,000. It is avoided where there are risk factors for vertebral artery injury, instability, active inflammation or signs of myelopathy.
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Should I wear a collar after whiplash?
No - not for more than a very short period. For WAD Grade I–III the evidence favours early gentle movement, staying active and progressive loading over prolonged collar use, which slows recovery.
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Can physiotherapy fix a trapped nerve in the neck?
Yes, in most cases. Cervical radiculopathy usually settles with 6–12 weeks of structured physio - nerve mobilisation, traction, directional preference work and postural retraining. Persistent weakness or unrelenting pain is a surgical conversation, not a failure of physio.
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Do I need an MRI before starting physio?
Usually not. Imaging is reserved for red flags - suspected myelopathy, progressive neurological loss, significant trauma or systemic features. Otherwise, physio starts on a clinical assessment and MRI is added only if the picture changes.
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How much does private neck physiotherapy cost in the UK?
Initial assessments are typically £70–£140 and follow-ups £60–£110 per session. A block of six sessions is often £360–£700. Post-op rehab and radiculopathy pathways run higher. NHS access is via your GP through a first-contact physio (FCP) or MSK triage.
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Is this available on the NHS?
Yes. GPs refer through first-contact physiotherapy (FCP) and MSK triage. A typical NHS course is 6–8 sessions. Waits vary by area. Private and workplace or sports insurance schemes are often faster.
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Can I keep working while I have physio for my neck?
Almost always yes. Most people continue office work throughout. Ergonomic changes, movement snacks and simple analgesia usually keep you functional while the pattern settles.
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All tests and procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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