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Woke up with your neck stuck? Let's get it turning again

Your neck has locked to one side and turning your head sends a sharp pain through it. Wry neck is painful and alarming, and it responds well to early treatment.

Medicare, NDIS, DVA and private health funds accepted.

Wry neck, also called acute torticollis, is a sudden onset of neck pain and stiffness that holds your head turned or tilted to one side. It usually comes from an irritated joint in your neck, with the surrounding muscles tightening to protect it.

Treatment focuses on settling the pain, restoring rotation and getting your neck moving normally again. Most people notice steady improvement once the joint and muscles start working through range.

Who does it affect?

adults of any age, often after sleeping awkwardly, long hours at a desk or a quick unguarded movement

How common is it?

neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in Australia, and wry neck is a common acute form of it

What is the recovery like?

varies between people; many episodes settle within days to a few weeks

Who should I see for treatment?

your physiotherapist or chiropractor

What funding options are available?

Medicare, NDIS, DVA and private health funds accepted

What is wry neck?

Wry neck is a sudden episode of neck pain and restricted movement, usually on one side. Your head sits slightly turned or tilted away from the painful side, because that is the only position that feels tolerable.

It often starts with an irritated facet joint, one of the small paired joints that guide movement between the bones of your neck. When that joint is inflamed, the muscles around it tighten to stop you moving into pain. That protective spasm is what makes your neck feel locked.

Common contributing factors include:

Sleeping in a position that holds your neck at an end-of-range angle
Long periods in one posture, such as desk work, driving or looking down at a phone
A quick, unguarded turn of the head
Fatigue, poor sleep and previous episodes of neck pain

If your neck pain started after a car accident or a collision on the sporting field, our whiplash treatment (https://onepointhealth.com.au/treatments/whiplash/) is the better fit.

Symptoms of Wry neck

Wry neck usually presents as:

Sharp, one-sided neck pain that spikes when you try to turn your head

Loss of rotation, so you turn your whole body to look sideways

Muscle spasm and tightness through the side of the neck and into the shoulder blade

Pain that refers up to the base of the skull or across the top of the shoulder

Your treatment plan comes out of the assessment, because a locked facet joint and an irritated nerve need different handling.

Hands-on joint mobilisation

graded movement applied to the stiff segment to reduce pain and restore rotation

Soft tissue therapy

sustained pressure and massage through the muscles in spasm to lower muscle tone and improve comfort

Guided range of movement exercises

small, repeated movements you perform between visits so the joint does not stiffen again

Pain and load management advice

practical guidance on heat, positioning and activity so you keep moving without flaring the neck

Postural and workstation changes

adjustments to screen height, seating and phone use to reduce the sustained load on your neck

Progressive strengthening

deep neck and upper back exercises that build endurance in the muscles that support your head

What to expect at your first appointment

Tell us what is going on

You explain when the pain started, what you were doing, what you cannot do now and whether anything travels into your arm.

A full assessment

Your practitioner checks your neck movement, tests the joints and muscles, and screens your nerves and shoulders to find the source.

A clear plan

You get an explanation of what is driving the pain, treatment on the day, and exercises to take home.

Review and adjust

At follow-up, your progress guides what changes: more movement, more strength or a referral if you are not responding.

When to book an appointment

Book an assessment if:

Your neck has been painful and restricted for more than two or three days
You cannot turn your head enough to drive, work or sleep properly
Heat, rest and pain relief have not shifted it
You are not sure whether this is a joint, a muscle or a nerve problem

Looking after your lower back at home

These strategies suit most people with recent, uncomplicated back pain, and work alongside treatment rather than replacing it.

Sleeping in a position that holds your neck at an end-of-range angle
Long periods in one posture, such as desk work, driving or looking down at a phone
A quick, unguarded turn of the head
Fatigue, poor sleep and previous episodes of neck pain

Meet the team who treat this

Behind every appointment is a team of practitioners who know each other, trust each other and work together for you. Across seven clinics and nine disciplines, our team shares expertise, coordinates treatment plans and celebrates your progress together.

Meet the full team

All Services

Abijith Anand

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Aimee Fuller

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Alicia Whiticker

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Amanda Banks

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Amanda Duggan

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Amy Meekings

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Anita Beerapu

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Benjamin Tucker

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Blake Ciscato

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Blake Cossor

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Bronte Tupper

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Callum Thorpe

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Carin Bloom

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Charli Haddow

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Chris Farrugia

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Chris Moulds

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Ciara O’Kane

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Claudia Thomas

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Corrina Aitken

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

David Logue

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Dean Gresser

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Emma Nassif

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Emma Scanlon

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Erin Burns

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Esha Sharma

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Ester Iskandar

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Evangelina Papalia

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Fatima Hussaini

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Felicity Spencer-Davey

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Frankie Raikadroka

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Hannah Norrie

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Harrison Gregson

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Heather Edwards

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Isaac Vella

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Jarrah Nesbitt

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Jasmine Apap

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Jessica Orchard

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Jonathan Lopez

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Justin Hanna

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kasey Collins

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Katrina Gauci

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kennedy Touet

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kristy Edwards

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kurt White

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kyle Perry

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kylie Saba

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Lorna Nicastri

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Lucas Barglik

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Mackenzie Gleeson

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Madeleine Vella

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Maja Bosic

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Marxy Koronel

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Matt Barton

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Mia Nikic

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Michael Todd

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Mr Jeffery Jenkins FACPS

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Nathan Cavanagh

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Oren Schulze

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Patience Namiiro

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Patrick Celeban

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Paul Sawaqed

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Phillip Hartshorne

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Praise Khin

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Rebecca Samuels

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Rianna Nicotera

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Sarah Bonnici

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Sarah Fenter

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Shannon Smith

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Shara Percival

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Sherie Casson

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Siobhan Kelly

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Summer Watson

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Taleisha Bozzi

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Tori McLean

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Trystan Singh

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Uty Kotwal

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Veronica Theiss

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Yoni Hochberg

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Zak Lloyd

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Zane Awik

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

EPC, DVA, NDIS and WorkCover welcome

Nearly half of our appointments are funded through Medicare, DVA, NDIS or WorkCover. We manage the paperwork so you can focus on your health.

Medicare (EPC)

Your GP can refer you for up to five Medicare-rebated allied health sessions per calendar year. We accept EPC referrals for podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics and psychology.

Learn more

NDIS

We are a registered NDIS provider across podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics and psychology. We work directly with your plan manager and provide clear progress reporting.

Learn more

Medicare (EPC)

Your GP can refer you for up to five Medicare-rebated allied health sessions per calendar year. We accept EPC referrals for podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics and psychology.

Learn more

Medicare (EPC)

Your GP can refer you for up to five Medicare-rebated allied health sessions per calendar year. We accept EPC referrals for podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics and psychology.

Learn more

Seven clinics across three regions

Find a clinic near you. Each location is staffed by local practitioners who know your community.

Penrith

Western Sydney

Our largest centre, with our full range of services under one roof.

510/536 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

TBD

Ropes Crossing

Western Sydney

Podiatry, at Ropes Crossing Village.

1B/2 Central Pl, Ropes Crossing NSW 2760

TBD

Blaxland

Western Sydney

Podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and group classes.

10 Layton Ave, Blaxland NSW 2774

TBD

Springwood

Western Sydney

Podiatry, dietetics and a boutique footwear store.

20 Ferguson Road, Springwood NSW 2777

TBD

Katoomba

Western Sydney

Podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics and psychology, in a restored 1914 cottage.

69 Megalong Street, Katoomba NSW 2780

TBD

Ryde

Western Sydney

Podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics, exercise physiology and psychology, with a footwear store and gait analysis.

819 Victoria Road, corner of Shepherd Street, Ryde NSW 2112

TBD

Lindfield

Western Sydney

Podiatry, with mobile podiatry across the North Shore and Northern Beaches.

2/324 Pacific Highway, Lindfield NSW 2070

TBD

Ready to get your neck turning again?

Book an assessment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor and start treatment this week.

Frequently asked questions

What does a podiatrist do?

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