Neck Pain Treatment
Expert neck pain treatment in Wembley, Perth. Specialising in chronic neck stiffness, pain & limited mobility. 18 years of experience in remedial massage therapy.
Common Neck Pain Conditions I Treat
Neck pain presents differently for everyone, but these are the most common patterns I see in my Wembley clinic:
Chronic Neck Stiffness
That persistent tightness that makes turning your head difficult, whether it's been building for months or has become your "normal."
Acute Neck Pain (Wry Neck)
Sudden onset neck pain, often from sleeping in an awkward position, that leaves you unable to turn your head without severe pain.
Tech Neck
Pain and stiffness caused by prolonged computer use, phone scrolling, or poor desk ergonomics. Increasingly common in our digital world.
Post-Whiplash Neck Pain
Lingering pain and stiffness following a car accident or injury, even months or years after the initial trauma.
Upper Neck Pain and Headaches
Pain at the base of the skull that often triggers headaches, caused by tension in the suboccipital muscles.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
When neck pain radiates into your shoulders and upper back, creating a broader pattern of discomfort and restricted movement.
Signs Your Neck Pain Needs Professional Treatment
You should consider remedial massage treatment if:
You can't comfortably turn your head to check blind spots while driving
Morning neck stiffness takes hours to ease up
You avoid certain movements because of pain or restriction
Your neck pain is affecting your sleep quality
Over-the-counter pain medication only provides temporary relief
The pain has been present for weeks or months without improvement
You notice your posture has changed to avoid pain
Stress makes your neck pain significantly worse
Simple activities like reading or working at a computer aggravate your pain
You experience associated headaches, shoulder pain, or arm tingling
If several of these resonate with you, the muscle tension and imbalances in your neck are unlikely to resolve on their own.
What Causes Chronic Neck Pain?
Understanding the root cause helps us create an effective treatment plan rather than just temporarily relieving symptoms.
Forward Head Posture
When your head sits forward from its natural alignment, the muscles in your neck must work constantly to prevent your head from dropping forward. This creates chronic tension, trigger points, and eventually pain.
Repetitive Strain
Activities that require sustained positions - computer work, driving, reading - create overuse patterns in certain neck muscles while others weaken from underuse.
Previous Injuries
Old injuries, even those that seemed fully healed, can leave lasting muscle imbalances and restrictions in the fascia (connective tissue) that contribute to ongoing pain.
Stress and Tension
Emotional stress manifests physically in your neck and shoulders. Many people unconsciously raise their shoulders and tighten their neck muscles when stressed, creating chronic tension patterns.
Sleep Position
Sleeping on your stomach or with inadequate pillow support strains your neck throughout the night, leading to morning stiffness and pain.
Muscle Imbalances
Weak deep neck flexors combined with overactive upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles create a pattern that perpetuates neck pain and poor posture.
My Approach to Neck Pain Treatment
After nearly two decades of treating neck pain in my Wembley practice, I've developed a thorough approach that addresses both immediate pain relief and long-term resolution.
Comprehensive Assessment
I take time to understand your pain history, daily activities, work setup, sleep habits, and any previous injuries. This helps identify which specific muscles and movement patterns are contributing to your pain.
Targeted Treatment Techniques
Deep Tissue Massage
Working into the deeper layers of muscle to release chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This addresses the muscles that standard massage often misses.
Trigger Point Therapy
Identifying and releasing specific trigger points in muscles like the levator scapulae, upper trapezius, and scalenes that create referred pain patterns throughout your neck and shoulders.
Myofascial Release
Addressing restrictions in the fascia (connective tissue) that can limit movement and contribute to pain, especially important for old injuries or chronic conditions.
Suboccipital Release
Gentle but effective work on the small, powerful muscles at the base of your skull that often harbor significant tension and contribute to both neck pain and headaches.
Movement Education
Teaching you exercises and postural strategies to maintain improvements between treatments and prevent pain recurrence.
What to Expect from Treatment
Your First Appointment
During your initial 60-minute session at my Wembley clinic, we'll discuss your neck pain in detail - when it started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects your daily life. I'll assess your posture, range of motion, and identify the specific muscles contributing to your pain. Treatment begins in the first session, and many clients notice some immediate improvement in range of motion.
Treatment Progression
For chronic neck pain, improvement typically follows this pattern:
Weeks 1-3: Weekly treatments
Initial focus on reducing pain and improving range of motion. You may notice increased mobility and reduced pain intensity.
Weeks 4-6: Fortnightly treatments
As acute symptoms improve, we address underlying muscle imbalances and postural issues. Pain becomes less frequent and less severe.
Ongoing: Monthly maintenance
Once you've achieved good relief, monthly treatments help maintain improvements and prevent recurrence, especially if your work or lifestyle includes risk factors.
Realistic Timeline
Acute neck pain (wry neck): Often significant improvement within 1-2 treatments
Chronic neck pain (months to years): Noticeable improvement within 3-4 weeks, significant relief within 6-8 weeks
Post-injury neck pain: Variable depending on severity, typically 6-12 weeks for substantial improvement
Exercises for Neck Pain Relief
These simple exercises can help reduce neck pain between treatments. Always work within a comfortable range - never force movements that cause sharp pain.
Chin Tucks
Sit or stand tall. Gently draw your chin straight back (not down), creating a "double chin." Hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times. Do this 3 times daily. This strengthens the deep neck flexors that support proper posture.
Neck Rotations
Slowly turn your head to look over one shoulder, hold 2 seconds, return to center. Repeat on the other side. Do 10 repetitions each direction, twice daily. This maintains mobility and prevents stiffness.
Levator Scapulae Stretch
Turn your head 45 degrees toward one side, then look down toward your armpit. You can use your hand to gently assist the stretch. Hold 30 seconds each side. This releases one of the most commonly tight muscles in neck pain.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Sit tall and squeeze your shoulder blades together, as if pinching a pencil between them. Hold 5 seconds, release. Repeat 10 times. This strengthens the muscles that support good posture.
Neck Side Bends
Gently tilt your head toward one shoulder, using your hand for a light assist if comfortable. Hold 30 seconds each side. Never force or bounce. This stretches the upper trapezius and side neck muscles.
Self-Care Strategies for Managing Neck Pain
Optimize Your Workspace
Screen at eye level
Chair height allowing feet flat on floor
Keyboard and mouse positioned to avoid reaching
Take 30-second breaks every 30 minutes
Improve Your Sleep Setup
Replace your pillow if it's over 2 years old
Choose a pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine
Avoid sleeping on your stomach
Side sleepers: pillow should fill the space between your shoulder and head
Apply Heat Therapy
Heat packs on your neck and shoulders for 15-20 minutes can reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Particularly effective before bed or before stretching.
Stay Active
Complete inactivity often worsens neck pain.
Gentle movement, walking, and swimming (if comfortable) help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
Manage Stress
Since stress significantly contributes to neck tension, finding healthy stress management strategies - whether exercise, meditation, or regular massage - is essential for long-term relief.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration affects muscle function and can worsen pain. Aim for 2 litres of water daily.
Why Choose Tracey Cross for Neck Pain Treatment?
Specialized Expertise
Neck pain, along with shoulder tension and headaches, is my primary area of focus. I understand the complex muscle patterns and postural issues that contribute to neck pain.
18 Years of Experience
Nearly two decades of treating neck pain means I've worked with everything from acute wry neck to chronic post-whiplash pain. I understand what works and can adapt treatment to your specific needs.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
I don't just address your symptoms - I help you understand why your neck pain developed and give you tools to prevent it from returning.
Personalized Care
Every treatment is tailored to your specific pain patterns, lifestyle factors, and goals. What works for one person may not work for another, and I take the time to find what works for you.
Convenient Wembley Location
My clinic is easily accessible for residents throughout Wembley, West Leederville, Subiaco, and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Professional, Calming Environment
My Wembley clinic provides a quiet, comfortable space where you can truly relax and allow your neck muscles to release their protective tension.
Understanding When Neck Pain Needs Medical Attention
While most neck pain responds well to remedial massage therapy, certain symptoms require medical evaluation by a doctor:
Severe pain following trauma or injury
Neck pain accompanied by fever
Progressive weakness in arms or hands
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Shooting pain down both arms
Difficulty walking or with coordination
If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your GP or seek emergency care. For musculoskeletal neck pain without these warning signs, remedial massage is an effective, non-invasive treatment option.
Real Results from My Wembley Clients
Over 18 years in practice, I've helped hundreds of Perth locals overcome chronic neck pain. Here's what successful treatment looks like:
Clients typically report being able to turn their head comfortably while driving within the first few sessions. Morning stiffness decreases or disappears entirely. They can work at their computer without developing pain by end of day. Sleep quality improves when neck pain no longer disrupts rest. They return to activities they'd been avoiding - yoga, gym workouts, gardening.
Most importantly, they no longer think about their neck pain constantly throughout the day. They've moved from managing pain to living without it.
Book Your Neck Pain Treatment in Wembley
If you're ready to address your neck pain with a treatment approach that goes beyond temporary relief, I'm here to help.
With 18 years of specialized experience treating neck pain in my Wembley clinic, I understand how limiting and frustrating chronic neck pain can be - and I know how to help you find lasting relief.
Take the first step toward a pain-free neck.
Clinic Location: 26 Salvado Road Wembley, WA 6014. Opposite the Subiaco Homebase.
Serving: Wembley, West Leederville, Subiaco, Jolimont, Floreat, City Beach, Mount Hawthorn, and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain Treatment
How quickly will I notice improvement?
For acute neck pain (like wry neck), many clients notice significant improvement within 1-2 treatments. For chronic neck pain, you'll typically notice some improvement within the first 2-3 sessions, with more substantial relief over 4-6 weeks.
Is massage safe for neck pain?
Remedial massage is very safe for musculoskeletal neck pain. I use controlled, appropriate pressure and always work within your comfort level. If you have any medical conditions affecting your neck, please let me know during booking.
Will the treatment be painful?
You may experience some temporary discomfort during deep tissue work or trigger point release, particularly in very tight areas. However, this should never be sharp or intolerable pain. I constantly check in with you and adjust pressure as needed.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on several factors: how long you've had the pain, what's causing it, and your lifestyle. Acute pain often responds quickly (1-3 treatments), while chronic pain typically requires 6-8 weekly sessions followed by less frequent maintenance treatments.
Can you fix my posture?
While I can't change your skeletal structure, I can release the tight muscles pulling you into poor posture, strengthen weak supporting muscles, and teach you postural awareness. With consistent effort, most people see significant postural improvements.
Should I rest or stay active with neck pain?
Gentle activity is usually better than complete rest. Avoid movements that cause sharp pain, but maintain normal daily activities as much as possible. Complete immobilisation often leads to increased stiffness.