Physiotherapy For Neck Pain & Injuries in Singapore

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain commonly arises from various factors, from muscle strain to mental stress. While no single approach to rehabilitation fits all cases, physiotherapy for neck pain can often help ease discomfort. For starters, understanding your neck's anatomy can help. Your spinal column, the backbone of your body, consists of vertebrae - small bones stacked tightly atop each other. It supports your head and protects your spinal cord. The cervical spine, comprising seven bones that form your neck, makes up the uppermost part of your spinal column.

Tiny facet joints connect these bones, allowing your head to move in various directions. Intervertebral discs, acting as shock absorbers and aiding flexibility, sit between each vertebra. When these intervertebral discs, nerves, muscles, or joints are injured, neck pain can result. Additionally, stress often leads to tension-related headaches that cause neck discomfort. In such cases, a physiotherapist for neck pain can help to alleviate the issue through manual therapy, customised exercises, and postural correction.

These approaches aim to improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and reduce the chances of recurrence. While neck pain can be attributed to numerous causes, they rarely indicate serious conditions. However, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, odd sensations between your thighs, or intense pain running down your arms and into your hands alongside neck pain, seek immediate medical assessment.

Neck Arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis) This is a broad term for "normal age-related changes" in your cervical spine. As parts of the cervical spine naturally wear and tear over time, aching, stiffness, or pain in the neck may occur.

Herniated Cervical Disc When a disc in your neck bulges or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves. This disc issue often results in localised neck pain or discomfort radiating into your arm.

Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy) A nerve root in your neck can become compressed, commonly due to disc or bone changes. This nerve impingement can lead to sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in your neck and arm.

Whiplash Injury Whiplash occurs from a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, often in an accident. This rapid motion can strain the soft tissues in your neck, causing pain and stiffness.

Tension Headache Characterised by a dull, aching sensation, tension headaches often originate in the neck and spread to the head. Muscle tightness, typically from stress, is a common contributing factor to this type of headache.

Facet Joint Dysfunction The small facet joints between your neck bones allow movement. If they become irritated or inflamed, it can cause localised pain. This joint dysfunction often leads to stiffness and discomfort, particularly with head turning.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome This condition involves compression of nerves or blood vessels in the space between your neck and shoulder, also known as the thoracic outlet. It can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your neck, shoulder, and arm.

Cervicogenic Headaches These headaches are a secondary type, meaning the pain originates from a problem in your neck, such as joint or muscle issues. They typically present as referred pain felt in your head.

Muscle Strains

The most frequent cause of neck pain is muscle strain. This often occurs due to the prolonged overuse of your neck muscles, when you spend extensive periods hunched over a desk or looking at a screen.

Over time, these sustained postures can lead to muscle fatigue and eventually cause discomfort and pain in your neck.

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness can contribute to neck pain. Your neck muscles might be weak due to a lack of regular exercise, sedentary habits, or imbalances from other injuries.

When the muscles supporting the neck lack endurance and strength, they struggle to maintain proper posture and alignment of your cervical spine. In turn, it leads to strain and pain. Neck pain physiotherapy can help address this.

Degeneration of Joints

As you age, the joints in your neck can experience natural wear and tear. This process, known as osteoarthritis, leads to the deterioration of the cartilage between your vertebrae.

Consequently, bone spurs, or osteophytes, may form, restricting your neck's range of motion and causing pain. Addressing this through physiotherapy for neck issues can be beneficial.

Nerve Compression

Nerve compression occurs when structures in your neck put pressure on a nerve. This can happen if you have a herniated disc, where the cushioning disc between your vertebrae bulges. Osteophytes in your cervical vertebrae can also cause compressions.

In turn, nerves exiting the spinal column may get compressed, leading to localised neck pain or discomfort that radiates into your arms.

Injuries

Injuries are a common cause of neck pain. For example, motor vehicle accidents and sports-related incidents often result in whiplash, in which the head is rapidly jolted backward and then forward.

These injuries place immense strain on the soft tissues in the neck, leading to acute or chronic neck pain.

Diseases

Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, can also manifest as neck pain. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can directly affect the joints in your neck, causing pain and stiffness.

Meanwhile, infections like meningitis or the presence of tumours can irritate or put pressure on nerves and structures in the cervical spine, leading to significant discomfort that requires careful medical assessment.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Headaches Originating
from the Neck

These headaches often feel like tension or a dull ache at the base of your skull, sometimes radiating over your head.

They commonly arise from muscle tension or joint issues in the neck. Individuals often seek physio for neck pain to address this issue.

Stiff Neck that
Limits Movement

A stiff neck restricts your ability to turn or tilt your head. This stiffness often results from muscle strain or inflammation, indicating that there is discomfort or an underlying issue in your cervical spine.

Pain from Holding
Head Still

You might feel a deep ache or sharp pain when trying to keep your head in one position for a long time. This typically points to muscle fatigue or joint irritation.

Pain Radiating to
Arms and Shoulders

This discomfort can feel like a dull ache, sharp shooting pain, or tingling that extends from your neck down into your arms or shoulders. It often indicates nerve compression in the neck, which may require the attention of a physiotherapist for neck pain.

Neck Numbness,
Tingling and Spasms

Experiencing numbness, tingling, or involuntary muscle spasms in your neck suggests irritation or compression of the nerves. These sensations are indicators of potential neck issues that may benefit from neck pain physiotherapy.

Step 1: Thorough Assessment

Through detailed history-taking and comprehensive clinical examinations, your physiotherapist will accurately identify the underlying issues causing your neck pain or injury.

Step 2: Individualised Management Plans

Based on the assessment, and with your personal goals in mind, we develop a management plan tailored to your needs.

Step 3: Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up appointments ensure your progress is monitored and the physiotherapy exercises are adjusted accordingly. This consistent support helps optimise your neck pain management and maintain long-term wellness.

Manual Therapy

Your physiotherapist for neck pain may use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage and gentle joint mobilisations. These methods aim to reduce muscle tension, improve joint movement, and alleviate your discomfort.

Dry Needling

As part of physiotherapy for neck pain, fine acupuncture needles may be inserted into or near muscle trigger points. This technique stimulates the muscles, causing them to contract or twitch, which helps relieve pain and improve movement.

Rehabilitative Exercises

Your physiotherapist will guide you in selecting and performing appropriate mobility, strengthening, and stability exercises. These targeted movements are crucial for reducing pain and restoring movement in your neck.

Shockwave Therapy

Depending on your condition, your physiotherapist might suggest advanced therapies like Shockwave Therapy. This treatment can complement other methods to further manage your neck pain.

Collaboration with Other Health and Fitness Experts

Your neck pain physiotherapy plan may benefit from the involvement of other professionals within our Circle of Care. We have a close network of professionals, including podiatrists, personal trainers, sports medicine doctors, and dietitians, to optimise your management and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Hear From Our Clients

Decided to go to physio after having constant bad headaches and numbing pain on my right shoulder all the way to my hand.

Been working with Dean for two months now to work on my issues and strengthen my shoulders. Can confidently say that I've gotten stronger and I haven't had any headache or numbing pain for a while now! Dean is very friendly, empathetic, and knowledgeable to find solutions to your pain point. He works with you so that your recovery is sustainable.

UFIT is conveniently located in Club St with great facilities. Would definitely recommend UFIT and Dean as physiotherapist (especially if your insurance covers it!)

YengUFIT Physio Client | Club Street, Singapore
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I have been consulting with Vik from UFIT Club Street for a couple of months now. There has been remarkable improvement to my condition and I have now been able to go back to an active lifestyle.

Vik is very methodical in his approach and uses a combination of massage, stretching and strength training to trigger recovery. He truly cares about clients - this is quite evident from the prep work and thinking he had already done prior to each session.

One thing that stands out is that Vik does not carpet bomb clients with exercises and treatments. He spends a lot of time diagnosing exactly which muscle group is injured and then focuses effort on treating those.

Highly recommended and grateful for the support.

Gaurav BaggaUFIT Physio Client | Club Street, Singapore
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Have been coming to UFIT one-north and seeing Sahail Malik for various sports-related injuries. I appreciate that each session is systematic and specifically tailored to my needs. From assessment, to rehab, to long-term strengthening and injury prevention; Sahail is knowledgeable and ensures everything we do has the highest impact and relevance for me. Aside from the physical aspect of the physiotherapy, I also appreciate getting to learn a lot about sports rehab and overall well-being with each visit.

The atmosphere here is great and everyone is very welcoming. I highly recommend UFIT and Sahail for your physiotherapy needs!

Joro Cruz UFIT Physio Client | one-North, Singapore
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I have been seeing Sahail for physiotherapy after shoulder surgery. The recovery is well on track, thanks to his treatment plan that is at right pace and adjust according to the progress. Great staff, location and equipment . Would recommend to anyone who needs physiotherapy.

Shunsiung ShihUFIT Physio Client | one-North, Singapore
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Senior physio Jade is incredible - she listens, changes treatment when something isn’t working, easy to communicate with, willing to fit you into her schedule and is very good at her job. She helped diagnose, treat (in conjunction with surgery) and recover from a slipped disk last year and I’ve never felt better. She’s my go to physio when anything feels wrong and she gets me back into shape to continue living my life. The facilities are close to the CBD and have tons of space for rehab and other training.

Jill CooperUFIT Physio Client | Club Street, Singapore
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Experience was great, from the reception to the treatments. My physio, Nada was professional and detailed in diagnosing my problems. We had a structured programme across a few months that helped me change my bad posture habits and strength my body. These exercises are simple enough to execute everyday and it makes a whole lot of difference. Glad to say I'm finally rid of the pain I had!

Summer ChoonUFIT Physio Client | Orchard, Singapore
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Your Road To Recovery

BOOK

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ASSESS

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PLAN

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TREAT

Start your treatment and enjoy the improvements as you progress!

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain Physiotherapy

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy for neck pain?

No, you do not need a referral to see a physio for your neck pain. Our physio clinic is home to first-contact practitioners trained to assess your condition and screen for any issues that may require a doctor's attention. However, we advise checking your insurance policy, as some providers require a doctor's referral for claims.

Is an X-ray required for a neck physiotherapy assessment?

An X-ray isn't always needed for a neck pain physiotherapy assessment. Your physiotherapist will typically conduct a thorough physical examination first to assess your condition.

Thereafter, they will then determine if further imaging, such as an X-ray or CT scan, is necessary.

Is physiotherapy safe for all ages with neck pain?

Yes, physiotherapy for neck pain is widely considered safe and effective for individuals across age groups, including young children and older adults. The process is always tailored to suit individual needs and health conditions.

Likewise, physio for shoulder pain and other areas of the body is also a suitable rehabilitation option.

Is physiotherapy effective for both acute and chronic neck pain?

Yes, physiotherapy is an effective option for both acute (sudden) and chronic (long-lasting) pain.

We recommend booking a consultation so our physiotherapists can assess your specific neck condition and recommend the best approach for you.

What can I do at home during recovery from neck pain?

During recovery, ensure you get adequate rest. You can also perform gentle exercises to improve mobility and strength, as advised by your physiotherapist.

For pain management, consider over-the-counter relievers and heat or cold therapy, if approved by your healthcare provider.

How long does it take to recover from neck injuries with physiotherapy? Recovery duration varies based on the injury's severity and individual factors. However, many neck injuries respond well to physiotherapy for neck issues, with individuals generally seeing pain reduction and improved mobility within four to six weeks.

How soon can I return to daily activities after neck pain physiotherapy? The timeline for returning to daily activities depends on your specific injury and how you respond to physiotherapy. Generally, individuals begin to see improvements within four to six weeks, allowing for a gradual return to normal routines. However, some activities may initially require modification as you ease back into your routine.

Will my neck injury recur after physiotherapy? While recurrence can sometimes happen with neck injuries, physiotherapy significantly helps reduce this risk.

A UFIT PROGRAM

Neck Pain & Injury Physiotherapy

Understanding Neck Pain

Common Types of Neck Pain Conditions

Causes of Neck Pain