Regain Comfort and Movement in Your Neck
Relieving Tension and Restoring Mobility
Neck pain is an incredibly common complaint that ranges from a mild stiffness after a “bad night’s sleep” to a persistent, debilitating problem that affects your ability to drive, work, and concentrate. Whether your pain has built up over months of office work or resulted from a sudden injury like whiplash, the impact on your daily life is significant.
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, our clinicians are highly experienced in untangling the causes of neck pain. We don’t just look at the joints in isolation; we assess your posture, your shoulder mechanics, and even your jaw to identify why your neck is struggling. Our goal is to move you from “stiff and guarded” back to fluid, pain-free movement.
Understanding Neck Pain and Whiplash
What is Actually Happening?
- Postural Strain: Prolonged “static” positions, such as looking at a computer or phone, which overloads the small muscles at the base of the skull.
- Facet Joint Stiffness: Irritation in the small gliding joints of the spine, often causing a sharp “catch” when you try to turn your head.
- Disc & Nerve Irritation: When a cervical disc becomes sensitized, it can cause pain to travel down into the shoulder blade or arm (referred pain).
- Degenerative Changes: Natural “wear and repair” in the cervical spine that can lead to chronic stiffness.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when the neck is forced through a rapid forward-and-backward movement, most commonly during a car collision. This “acceleration-deceleration” force strains the ligaments and muscles of the neck. Interestingly, symptoms often don’t appear immediately—they can develop over the 24 to 72 hours following the incident, leading to headaches, dizziness, and significant restricted movement.
How We Treat Neck Pain
- Manual Therapy: We use gentle joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage, and—where appropriate—careful manipulation to “reset” the tension in your neck. This helps restore your range of motion so you can check your blind spot while driving without pain.
- Targeted Exercise Prescription: We focus on “Deep Neck Flexor” training. These are the “core” muscles of your neck that help support the weight of your head. Strengthening these is the most effective way to prevent neck pain from returning.
- Acupuncture: Our specialist, Diane Shaw, often integrates medical acupuncture into neck treatments. It is particularly effective for calming the muscle spasms and “tension headaches” that frequently accompany neck stiffness.
- Ergonomic & Sleeping Advice: We provide practical strategies for your desk setup and even your pillow height. If your neck isn’t supported for the 8 hours you sleep or the 8 hours you work, it will struggle to heal.
Your First Appointment
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we understand that a “sore neck” can make you feel very protective and anxious about movement. Your first session is conducted with care and total professional transparency.
Practicalities for your visit:
- A Thorough 45-Minute Assessment: Your clinician will discuss your symptoms and perform a physical exam of your neck, shoulders, and upper back. If your pain followed an accident, we will review your mechanism of injury in detail.
- What to wear: Please wear a vest top or loose t-shirt so we can clearly see the movement of your neck and the position of your shoulder blades.
- What to bring: If you have any medical documentation from a GP or A&E following an accident, or any recent scan results, please bring them along.
- Immediate Treatment: We aim to provide symptomatic relief in your very first session, usually through gentle manual therapy or a simple “offloading” exercise.
Honesty in Recovery
We believe in realistic expectations. The neck is a highly sensitive area with a vast number of nerve endings.
Clinical Note: While we can often improve your “range of motion” in just one or two sessions, the underlying muscle tension takes longer to resolve.
Most acute neck “spasms” settle within two to three weeks. However, if you are recovering from Whiplash or a long-term postural issue, a full recovery of strength and resilience typically takes eight to twelve weeks. We won’t promise an “overnight fix” for a chronic problem, but we will provide the expert guidance needed to ensure your neck becomes robust enough to handle the stresses of your modern life.
Your Treatment Team
- Felicia Fetcu – Physiotherapist (CSP: 106027 | HCPC: PH117618)
- Bethany Vance – Physiotherapist (CSP: 127691 | HCPC: PH146896)
- Yves De Vos – Physiotherapist (CSP: 54623 | HCPC: PH48182)
- Diane Shaw – Physiotherapist and acupuncture (CSP: 49658 | HCPC: PH41958)
- Simona Jacob – Physiotherapist (CSP: 111102 | HCPC: PH124185)
Pricing and Appointment
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Initial Assessment £79 / 45 minutes
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Follow-Up Session £59 / 30 minutes
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Block Booking £319 for 6 sessions
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality. If your neck pain or whiplash is the result of an accident, your treatment may be covered by a personal injury claim. Contact us for guidance.
To book, call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.u
Conveniently Located in Whiteley
Our clinic is at Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS. We serve patients from Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Opening hours: Mon 8.30-5.00 / Tue 8.30-8.00 / Wed 8.30-8.00 / Thu 8.30-8.00 / Fri 8.30-6.00
Phone: 01489 569888
Email: info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a whiplash injury should I see a physiotherapist?
As soon as possible. Early assessment and treatment can help manage symptoms, restore movement, and reduce the risk of the problem becoming chronic. You do not need to wait for a GP referral.
Will my neck pain go away on its own?
Many episodes of neck pain improve within a few weeks. However, if your symptoms have lasted longer than two to three weeks, are getting worse, or are significantly affecting your life, a physiotherapy assessment is recommended.
Do I need a scan for my neck pain?
In most cases, no. Your physiotherapist can assess your neck clinically and begin treatment. If imaging is needed, they can arrange a referral.
Can poor posture cause neck pain?
Yes. Prolonged poor posture, particularly at a desk or while using a phone, is one of the most common contributors to neck pain. Your physiotherapist can advise on ergonomic improvements and prescribe exercises to address postural strain.
Is it safe to exercise with neck pain?
In most cases, gentle movement and specific exercises are beneficial. Your physiotherapist will advise on which activities are safe and which to avoid temporarily.
Can whiplash cause headaches?
Yes. Headaches are a common symptom of whiplash. They are often caused by muscle tension and joint stiffness in the upper cervical spine. Physiotherapy can help address the underlying cause.
Can I claim for whiplash treatment on insurance or through a personal injury claim?
We are recognised by major health insurers. If your whiplash resulted from an accident, your treatment may be covered by a personal injury claim. Contact us and we can provide the documentation you need.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Acute neck pain may resolve in two to four sessions. Whiplash or chronic neck pain may require a longer course.
What should I do while waiting for my appointment?
Try to keep your neck gently moving. Avoid holding it in one position for long periods. Over-the-counter pain relief may help. Avoid using a neck collar unless advised by a medical professional.
How do I book?
Call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk.
Ready to Get Started?
Struggling with neck pain or recovering from whiplash? Call 01489 569888 to book your assessment and start your recovery.