Myotherapy conditions

Neck Pain

Neck pain is almost always muscular at its core. Myotherapy gets into the specific muscles driving your pain — the upper traps, levator scapulae, suboccipitals — and releases them properly.

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Understanding Neck Pain

The neck and upper shoulder region is one of the most common areas of chronic muscular tension in the modern population. Prolonged screen use, desk work, stress, and poor sleep posture all contribute to a build-up of tension in the muscles that support the cervical spine. Myotherapy at Sera Spine & Rehab uses deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and cupping to systematically release this tension, restore movement, and address the muscular patterns that keep neck pain coming back.

Root causes

What causes neck pain?

Upper Trapezius & Levator Scapulae Tension

These muscles are the primary tension-holders of the neck and upper back. Chronic overload from desk work, stress, and poor posture creates trigger points that refer pain into the neck, head, and shoulder.

Suboccipital Muscle Tightness

The four small suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are a major source of neck pain and headaches. Trigger points here are extremely common in desk workers and respond well to dry needling.

Forward Head Posture

Every centimetre of forward head posture significantly increases the load on the cervical muscles. Myotherapy releases the muscles that are overworking to hold this position and supports postural retraining.

Stress & Emotional Tension

Psychological stress causes unconscious muscle guarding in the neck and shoulders. Myotherapy provides direct relief from this tension and activates the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce overall stress load.

Scalene & SCM Tightness

The scalene and sternocleidomastoid muscles are often overlooked contributors to neck pain. Trigger points in these muscles refer pain into the neck, chest, and arm and are effectively treated with myotherapy.

Sleep Posture

Sleeping in a sustained awkward position overloads the cervical muscles overnight. Myotherapy releases the resulting tension and provides advice on pillow height and sleep positioning.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Persistent aching or tightness in the neck and upper shoulders
Restricted rotation — difficulty turning the head fully to one or both sides
Tenderness to touch along the neck, upper traps, or base of the skull
Pain that worsens with sustained postures, screen use, or stress
Headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate forward
A sense of heaviness or fatigue across the upper shoulders by end of day
Clicking or grinding sensations with neck movement
Pain that temporarily eases with heat or self-massage but keeps returning

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats neck pain

Myotherapy

Targeted deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and dry needling release the specific muscles driving your neck pain — upper trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipitals, scalenes, and SCM — providing relief that lasts.

Chiropractic

When cervical joint restriction is contributing to neck pain, chiropractic adjustments restore mobility and reduce nerve irritation, complementing the muscular work of myotherapy.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy provides the postural assessment, deep neck flexor strengthening, and movement retraining needed to address the structural drivers of neck pain and prevent recurrence.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Strengthening the scapular stabilisers and deep neck flexors reduces the load on the cervical muscles, making myotherapy results last and preventing future episodes.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A postural assessment and movement screen to identify the specific muscles and patterns contributing to your neck pain.
2
A discussion of your symptoms, work setup, sleep habits, stress levels, and treatment goals.
3
Hands-on treatment in your first appointment — deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, or cupping targeting the identified muscles.
4
Immediate feedback on what was found and treated, and what to expect in the days following.
5
Advice on stretches, heat use, ergonomic adjustments, and self-care to maintain your results between sessions.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will I feel relief from myotherapy for neck pain?

Many people notice significant improvement after their first session. Acute neck pain often resolves within 2–4 sessions. Chronic or long-standing tension typically requires a longer course of care, and your myotherapist will give you a realistic plan at your first appointment.

Does dry needling hurt in the neck?

Most people experience a brief dull ache or twitch response when a needle hits a trigger point — this is a normal and positive sign. The needles are very fine and most people find the treatment quite tolerable, even in sensitive areas like the neck and suboccipitals.

Can myotherapy help with neck pain from whiplash?

Yes — myotherapy is effective for the muscular component of whiplash-associated disorders. We work alongside physiotherapy for complex whiplash presentations and can assist with WorkCover and TAC claims.