I Can’t Turn My Neck… Can Physio Help?

If you’ve ever woken up unable to turn your head without wincing, you’re not alone. Acute wry neck is a very common issue we see at Elite Performance, often after sleeping in an awkward position or following a busy training week.

What’s usually happening is that the small joints in the neck have become irritated and temporarily “locked up”. The good news? This type of neck pain responds very well to physiotherapy!

At our Sydney Sports physiotherapy practice, treatment is typically gentle and tolerable, focusing on:

• Reassurance whilst pain is high, there is no ‘damage’ in the tissue

• Light joint mobilisations (not aggressive cracking)

• Soft tissue work to settle muscle spasm which may include dry needling

• Simple stretches for home to restore confidence and motion

If you can’t access physio don’t stress. With gentle movement, self stretching and not being fearful of the pain most symptoms will ease themselves within a week. If you want to get better faster it typically takes 1–2 sessions. The first we can get you 80% better with some people requiring the second session a few days later to clear the rest. Early treatment often speeds this up and makes the process far more comfortable.

So next time that neck locks up, don’t stress, book a session and we can get you moving in no time.