Neck Pain Physical Therapy in Ann Arbor
A stiff, achy neck doesn’t have to be your new normal. Dr. Joe uses hands-on care and targeted exercise to calm neck pain and restore motion, so you can check your blind spot, sleep comfortably and train without thinking about it.
A Massage Feels Great for a Day. Then the Stiffness Is Back.
Neck pain is incredibly common in active adults who also spend long hours at a computer, driving or looking down at a phone. Massages, heat and stretching can feel good, but if the underlying pattern doesn’t change, the tightness returns.
In most cases the neck is reacting to what’s around it: a stiff mid-back, shoulder blades that don’t do their share, sustained postures, stress, or a lift that overloaded it. Sometimes an irritated nerve is part of the picture.
We treat the neck and everything that feeds into it, then give you a simple plan to keep it moving well between visits.
Neck Conditions We Treat
From desk-job stiffness to a neck you tweaked on the mat or under the bar.
Chronic Neck Pain & Stiffness
The daily ache that builds through the workday and follows you into the evening.
Desk & Posture-Related Pain
Pain linked to long hours at a screen or behind the wheel. We change your capacity, not just your chair.
Pinched Nerve (Radiculopathy)
Pain, tingling or weakness traveling into the shoulder blade, arm or hand from an irritated nerve in the neck.
Whiplash & Sports Neck Injuries
Neck pain after a car accident, a fall, a hit, or a CrossFit or jiu jitsu session gone wrong.
Neck-Related Headaches
Headaches that start at the base of the skull and seem linked to neck stiffness. See our headaches page.
Post-Surgical Neck Rehab
Restoring mobility and strength after neck surgery, in coordination with your surgeon’s guidelines.
Neck Pain From Work, Travel or Your Phone?
There is no single “perfect posture.” The best posture is your next one. What matters is how often you move and whether your neck and upper back have the strength and mobility to handle long stretches in one position.
We’ll give you a short, realistic routine that fits into a workday, plus the strength work that makes those long days easier.
A stiff thoracic spine forces your neck to do more work. Loosening it often brings quick relief.
Stronger postural muscles take pressure off your upper traps and neck.
Simple movement snacks you can do at your desk, in the car or on a plane.
What to Expect at Your First Neck Pain Visit
A full 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Joe. Treatment usually starts the same day.
Your history
How it started, what aggravates it, and whether you’re having arm symptoms, headaches or anything else we should know.
A careful exam
We check neck and mid-back motion, nerve function, strength and your shoulder blades, and screen for anything that needs a physician.
Relief and a plan
Hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore motion, a few key exercises, and a clear plan for getting back to full speed.
How We Treat Neck Pain
Gentle, effective hands-on care combined with the strength and mobility to keep your neck happy.
Spinal Manipulation & Mobilization
Gentle joint mobilization of the neck and mid-back to restore motion and ease pain.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Releases tight upper traps and neck muscles that keep pain and headaches going.
Learn more →Soft Tissue Mobilization & Cupping
Soft tissue mobilization and cupping for overworked neck and shoulder muscles.
Learn more →Strength Training
Deep neck, upper back and shoulder blade strength so your neck can handle long days.
Learn more →I give Joe my highest recommendation!! Joe’s care is worth touting—it has been nothing short of exceptional! His holistic approach in addressing factors outside of just a list of home PT exercises is what sets him apart from other therapists!
Is neck manipulation safe?
Dr. Joe screens every patient before any hands-on neck treatment, and manipulation is never required. Many people do very well with gentle mobilization, soft tissue work and exercise alone. We’ll talk through the options and you decide what you’re comfortable with.
Can physical therapy help a pinched nerve in my neck?
Often, yes. Treatment focuses on calming the irritated nerve, restoring neck and mid-back motion and building strength. We monitor strength and sensation closely and coordinate with your physician if symptoms aren’t improving.
Do I need imaging first?
Usually not for typical neck pain. If you’ve had significant trauma or your exam raises any concerns, we’ll refer you for the appropriate evaluation.
Will I have to stop training?
Usually not entirely. We’ll modify the movements that aggravate your neck and keep you moving while it recovers.
Do you take insurance?
OLO is cash-based and out-of-network. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our FAQ.
When to see a physician first
Physical therapy is a great first stop for most neck pain. But some symptoms need a medical evaluation right away. Seek urgent care or call 911 if you have:
- Neck pain after a significant fall, car accident or blow to the head
- Dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing
- Worsening weakness in your arms or hands, or clumsiness
- New problems with balance or walking
- Fever with a stiff neck or severe headache
- Sudden, severe neck pain unlike anything you’ve had
Not sure? Call us. If something in your evaluation doesn’t add up, Dr. Joe will tell you and point you to the right provider.
Related conditions we treat
Ready to Turn Your Head Without Thinking About It?
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll call or text to get you scheduled, or set up a free consultation if you’d like to talk it through first.
5.0 ★ from 184 Google reviews · No referral needed to start · HSA/FSA accepted