Neck Pain Treatment in Rainham & Medway
Neck pain that rarely stays in the neck
It refers into the shoulder blade, up into the head as headaches, or down the arm. Treating only the sore spot is why it keeps coming back.
“I always find Josh helpful and accommodating. He is clearly very experienced and takes into consideration any underlying health issues before embarking on any treatments.”
How I approach neck pain
I commonly see desk workers, people with headaches, stress and tension related symptoms, and people who have been dealing with persistent neck pain for a long time.
As with everything I do, I don't look at the neck in isolation. I want to understand the story behind the problem and consider movement, strength, lifestyle, sleep, stress, habits and the person's beliefs and behaviours around their pain.
I'll also assess for symptoms that could indicate something requiring further investigation, such as symptoms travelling into the arms, pins and needles, numbness, weakness or other neurological signs.
Josh Devine, Specialist MSK Physiotherapist
Common drivers
Neck pain usually has more than one of these behind it, which is why the examination matters more than the label.
Postural and work related
Sustained positions at a desk or in the car load the neck and upper back in ways they are not built to tolerate all day.
Joint and muscular
Facet joint irritation and deep muscular tension produce genuine local pain and stiffness, often worse first thing.
Cervicogenic headaches
Headaches that start at the base of the skull often come from the upper neck, and treating the neck is what settles them.
Whiplash and trauma
After a road traffic accident or fall the neck usually needs graded reintroduction of movement rather than protection.
Hands on work plus the right loading
Manual therapy, medical acupuncture where appropriate, then strengthening that makes the change stick.
“Josh is a great physiotherapist, very knowledgeable and friendly. He made me feel comfortable from the first meeting, and has helped me reduce my pain and improve my movement. He looks after the whole person.”
How we treat neck pain
Establish which structures are involved
Facet joints, deep muscular tension, the upper cervical spine and referral from the shoulder all behave differently under testing. That is what shapes the plan.
Personalised treatment
Soft tissue work or joint mobilisation where appropriate, but these are part of a broader plan rather than the plan itself.
Build confidence and capacity
Movement, strength and loading so you aren't simply relying on treatment to keep your neck feeling better.
A whole picture approach
What changes when someone looks past the painful area.
What our patients say
Neck and upper back
“Great first session, already feel such a difference in my neck and across my upper back and shoulders. Would highly recommend!”
As many as three a week
“I suffer with migraines, as many as 3 in a week and often lasting days at a time. I have had 3 sessions with Josh now and already my migraines seem to be improving.”
Not rushed like other physios
“A lovely guy who's very understanding, caring, polite and listens to you and doesn't rush you like other physios I've seen do. Showed me some exercises to help strengthen my shoulder.”
What good looks like
Common questions
How long is an appointment and how many will I need?
Can neck pain cause headaches?
My neck pain came on with no injury. Is that normal?
Do you treat whiplash?
Get your neck assessed
Name, number, email and a line about what is going on.
- No referral needed
- Evenings until 9pm plus weekends
- Free 10 minute call if you would rather talk first
- We will say if physiotherapy is not the right answer
Find us
The clinic is at 9 Eastwood Meadow in Rainham, with parking directly outside.
BetterMe Physiotherapy
9 Eastwood Meadow
Rainham, Gillingham
ME8 8FA
Parking
Dedicated spaces for patients, with step free access from the car to the treatment room.
Opening hours
Mon to Fri 09:00 to 21:00
Saturday 09:00 to 18:00
Sunday 09:00 to 14:00
Take the first step
One assessment will tell you where your neck pain is coming from, and how to stop it returning.
110+ five star Google reviews · HCPC registered · MACP accredited