Physical therapy for neck pain
Neck pain can make everything harder — working, driving, sleeping, even turning your head. Whether it's been building for months or came on suddenly, a licensed physical therapist can help you figure out what's causing it and build a plan to resolve it. All from home, covered by your insurance.
What is neck pain?
Neck pain is discomfort in the cervical spine — the seven vertebrae between your skull and upper back. It can present as stiffness, sharp pain, dull aching, or radiating pain into the shoulders and arms. Most neck pain is muscular or postural in origin and responds well to physical therapy, even without imaging or medication.
Common symptoms
- Stiffness or difficulty turning your head
- Pain at the base of the skull or between shoulder blades
- Headaches originating from the neck
- Sharp pain with certain movements
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Muscle tightness or spasms in the neck and upper back
- Pain that worsens after prolonged screen use
- Grinding or clicking sensations with movement
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain commonly stems from poor posture — particularly forward head posture from desk work and phone use. Muscle strain, cervical disc issues, facet joint irritation, and nerve compression can all contribute. Previous injuries like whiplash, arthritis, and stress-related tension are also common causes. Your PT will identify which factors are driving your specific symptoms.
How physical therapy helps with neck pain
Evaluation. Your PT conducts a thorough assessment over video — observing your posture, guiding you through neck movements, and testing strength and range of motion to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Treatment. Your program includes targeted exercises to strengthen the deep neck muscles and upper back, mobility work to restore range of motion, and practical guidance on workstation setup and posture habits.
Ongoing support. Message your PT between visits about flare-ups, exercise questions, or changes in symptoms. Your program evolves as your pain improves.
What to expect
Your first visit is about 60 minutes over video. Your PT will ask about your pain history and guide you through movement tests. By the end, you'll understand what's driving your pain and have exercises to start that day. Follow-up visits build on your progress and typically run 30-45 minutes.
Insurance accepted for neck pain
Physical therapy for neck pain is covered by most major insurance plans. You pay your normal copay — nothing extra for telehealth visits.
MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaAnthem Blue CrossCignaAetnaUnitedHealthcareHumanaTRICARE
Don't see your plan? Check your coverage — we accept many more.
Home visits for neck pain
In Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties, a licensed physical therapist can also come to your home. In-home physical therapy for neck pain lists the physical therapists who treat it and the neighborhoods they drive to.