Do I need scans before seeing a physio for neck or shoulder pain?

Not usually. Most neck and shoulder problems can be assessed and managed without imaging. Your physio will examine you first and only suggest scans or a GP/specialist review if there are specific signs that make this necessary.

What neck and shoulder conditions do you treat?

We commonly see postural neck pain, wry neck, whiplash-associated disorders, cervicogenic headaches, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder, arthritis-related stiffness and general overuse issues . If you’re unsure what you have, you’re still welcome to book—part of our role is to help clarify this.

I work at a desk all day—can physio still help?

Yes. Desk-based work is a frequent contributor to neck and shoulder pain. We’ll look at your posture, movement habits and work demands, then provide targeted exercises, ergonomic advice and pacing strategies that fit your day rather than unrealistic “perfect posture” rules.

How long will it take to feel better?

Recovery time varies with the cause, how long symptoms have been present and your overall health. Some acute neck or shoulder issues improve in a few sessions, while longer-standing problems may take several weeks or months of consistent treatment and exercise. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe and milestones at your initial appointment.

Do you accept funded care for neck & shoulder treatment?

Yes. We support Medicare CDM, NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, My Aged Care and DVA where eligible. Please bring any GP referrals, claim numbers or approval details so we can align your care with your funding.

Where are you located?

Mernda: 136 Schotters Rd, Mernda VIC 3754. Reservoir: 224A Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073. See our Locations page for directions, parking and clinic photos at each.

Neck & Shoulder Pain — Assessment, Treatment & Rehab

Wry neck, “tech neck”, headaches, rotator cuff or shoulder impingement?

Get clear answers and evidence-based physio to reduce pain, restore movement and help you feel confident using your neck and shoulders again.

Rated 5/5 on Google

Book an appointment

Start your referral

Benefits

How physio can help your neck & shoulder pain

Here’s what to expect from working with us — clear assessment, evidence-based treatment, and care that adapts to your goals.

Reduce pain & tightness

Targeted manual therapy, movement and exercise to calm irritated joints and soft tissue.

Restore movement

Improve neck rotation, looking over your shoulder, reaching overhead and lifting tolerance with a progressive plan.

Prevent flare-ups

Posture advice, load management and strength work around the neck, shoulder blades and shoulders to lower recurrence risk.

Support daily life

Strategies for driving, computer work, sleep positions and hobbies so you can get on with life, not just your exercises.

Who It Helps

Common neck & shoulder problems we see

Neck and shoulder physio may be right for you if you:

Have “tech neck” or postural pain from long hours at a desk, laptop or on your phone.

Wake with a sudden “locked” neck, sharp pain when turning your head, or difficulty checking blind spots while driving.

Feel pain referring into the shoulder, upper back or arm, sometimes with pins and needles or heaviness.

Have shoulder pain with overhead reach, dressing, lifting or lying on your side—common in rotator cuff and impingement-type problems.

Are recovering from frozen shoulder, shoulder surgery or whiplash and need structured rehab and guidance.

How It Works

Your pathway to relief

Every appointment is structured around your story. Below is how we work together to get you back to what matters.

01. Assessment

We start by listening—where your pain is, how it started, what aggravates it and what you need to get back to. Your physio will:

Review your medical history and any scans or reports

Assess posture, neck and shoulder range of motion, strength and control

Perform specific tests to differentiate neck-driven pain, shoulder pathology and nerve involvement

Explain the likely diagnosis and recovery outlook in clear, simple language

02. Treatment

Your treatment plan is tailored to you and may include:

Manual therapy for the neck, upper back and shoulder (joint mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques) to reduce pain and stiffness

Therapeutic exercises for neck range of motion, scapular (shoulder blade) control and shoulder strength

Posture and workplace advice (e.g. desk setup, driving, lifting, sleep positions)

Education about pain, pacing and activity modification so you know what to do day-to-day

A simple home program that fits your schedule and is reviewed regularly

03. Progress

At follow-up visits we:

Re-check neck and shoulder movement, strength and function (e.g. reach, lifting, work tasks)

Progress your exercises to build resilience and confidence, not just short-term relief

Guide gradual return to sport, gym or physically demanding work with a clear plan

Adjust your program if you experience flare-ups, so you know how to respond early

Testimonials

What Our Patients Said

Real feedback from people we’ve helped with pain, injury and movement problems across our Mernda and Reservoir clinics.

Google rating from local patients

View All Reviews

FAQs

Affordable Pricing that Doesn't Sacrifice Quality

Do I need a GP referral?

Do you accept WorkCover, TAC, NDIS, DVA or My Aged Care?

Do you offer home visits?

How many sessions will I need?

View all FAQs

MEET THE TEAM

Meet your physiotherapists

Stephanie and Mau both see patients across our Mernda and Reservoir clinics. Click a card to read full bios and book direct.

Stephanie

Director & Senior Physiotherapist

Director and Senior Physiotherapist with almost a decade of experience in person-centred care — working from our Mernda and Reservoir clinics. Special interests in chronic pain, sports injuries, women’s health and balance/vestibular conditions.

Mau

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist with almost 10 years across private practice, community physio and aged care. Special interests in orthopaedic rehabilitation, chronic disease management and sports injuries.