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Limited Range Of Motion Neck Treatment

Limited range of motion neck treatment. Bodyline Health is one of the most trusted medical and wellness centers in the whole region.

17 Main Road, Lower Plenty · Mon–Thu 8am–7pm · Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–2pm · Free parking · No referral needed

Limited Range of Motion Neck Treatment

Are you looking for the best limited range of motion neck treatment? You need a budget-friendly, quality treatment that is also effective.

Luckily, Bodyline Health offers exactly that. We are dedicated to helping you get back on track with your life and your career, so we’re going to work with you to create a custom program that addresses all of your needs.

The modern lifestyle has improved our quality of life in an endless array of ways.  Each innovation essentially takes the “labour” out of once manual tasks such as goods production, quickly assessing information and even most forms of entertainment are now only a finger tip away.

However, with all the progression in technology the net result is that we are all effectively becoming more sedentary at both work and play.  These changes are affecting how our spine and joints operate and creating more postural imbalance and limited range of motion. 

Have you ever gone to get out of a chair after hours of work and your “neck just went”, prompting you to find someone for some neck treatment?   Statistics show that you are not alone – an average of 15-20% of adults in Australia, seek neck treatment for pain and limited range of motion, each year.

Your spine comprises 3 main curves, from the reverse C-shaped curve in your neck and lower back, through the mid back curve that opposes in shape, joining the two. 

These curves are essential in the efficient weight distribution at rest (sitting and sleeping) and vital when transferring loads around the body whilst actively moving. 

Any limited range of motion and poor postural habits rob your body of energy as it uses muscle to compensate for the lack of structural stability your skeleton should be providing. In order to correct restrictions and maintain the strong and stable curves of the body our chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists are perfectly trained to educate and treat your individual needs.  

Here are some limited range of motion and posture correction strategies you can adopt and do both at work and home-

  • Check your mattress and pillow for adequate support of your natural curvatures whilst sleeping. Our sleeping posture we adopt for 1/3 of our lives
  • Do some form of physical activity/exercise/stretches for only 10-20 minutes a day  (make it do something you enjoy doing and is easily repeatable)
  • In any work setting, take regular breaks and divide your time between sitting and standing where possible
  • Do one or two of your favourite stretches daily.  Small, frequent consistency is the key to success – and is the catalyst to easy growth in a stretching routine later.
  • “Sit with your chest proud” whenever you find yourself slouching – instantly re-align all your spinal curves.
  • Use a lumbar support cushion for when sitting on the couch for your relaxation times
  • Talk to one of our team members about getting a specialized pillow to complement your neck treatment 
  • Visit WorkSafe Or Google Images “ergonomic workstation setup”

We always encourage you to consult your GP or speak to our experienced 

practitioners for a specific examination before you start any exercises, however, below are a few basic movements that are great for reducing neck pain and improving your upper body range of motion

  • Shoulder blade squeezes
  • Chin tucks and sky gazing
  • Neck rolls and head rotations
  • Arms above head when lying down with a pillow beneath your mid back

Our team of experts have years of experience working with people just like you who are struggling with limited range of motion in their necks and shoulders. We know what works and what doesn’t, and we’re happy to share our knowledge with you!

Book Your Limited Range Of Motion Neck Treatment Today

If you recognise any of these signs, the sooner your limited range of motion neck treatment begins, the sooner you can get back to moving freely. Our chiropractors and myotherapists assess your neck, shoulders and upper back together, since a limited range of motion in the neck rarely occurs on its own.

Every neck treatment plan we build is tailored to your own posture, work setup and daily habits, rather than a one-size-fits-all routine. Ready to get started? You can read more about our chiropractic care in Lower Plenty, or go ahead and book your first appointment online today.

Person with a stiff neck and limited range of motion

Why us?

Bodyline Health is one of the most trusted medical and wellness centers in the whole region. We have experts available in a wide variety of professions. We believe in treating all our customers fairly. We strive to not just meet but exceed our customers’ expectations with the help of our caring, professional and friendly healthcare services. Book an appointment and speak to one of our certified experts.

Limited Range of Motion in the Neck at a Glance

  • Who: Chiropractor Dr Phil Mifsud, physiotherapist Mary Fleming, myotherapist Keryn Arrowsmith and remedial massage therapist Jack Robertson can assess limited range of motion in the neck.
  • Where: Bodyline Health, 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty, serving the Diamond Valley, with free on-site parking.
  • When: Open six days, including Saturday mornings, handy when you wake with limited range of motion before the weekend.
  • Referral & claiming: No referral needed; HICAPS on-site for eligible extras cover.
  • Book: Call (03) 9017 4784 or book online to have your limited range of motion checked.

A neck that will not turn far enough to check a blind spot, or that catches when you look up, can make ordinary days surprisingly hard. Limited range of motion in the neck is very common, and in many cases it settles with time, gentle movement and a few practical changes. This section covers what commonly drives it, what you can try at home, and when it needs medical attention first.

Common Causes of Limited Range of Motion in the Neck

  • Muscle guarding: muscles tighten protectively after a strain or awkward movement.
  • Joint irritation: the small facet joints of the neck can become sore and stiff.
  • Age-related change: gradual changes in discs and joints are common and may reduce flexibility over the years.
  • Sustained postures: long periods looking down at screens, phones or paperwork.

Often more than one factor is involved, so limited range of motion is best understood alongside your work, sleep and activity habits.

Waking with a Stiff Neck (Wry Neck)

Many people wake up unable to turn their head to one side, sometimes with the head held slightly tilted. This is often called acute wry neck. It can follow an awkward sleeping position, a draught, a long drive or an unusually busy day, though often there is no clear trigger.

What People Commonly Notice

  • Sharp pain when turning one way, with the other direction feeling freer.
  • Muscle spasm along one side of the neck or into the shoulder blade.
  • Difficulty getting comfortable in bed or at the desk.

Acute wry neck often improves over days to a week or two. With this kind of limited range of motion, gentle movement within comfort usually helps more than holding the neck completely still.

Desk and Driving Checks

Long hours in one position are a common contributor to limited range of motion, because the muscles and joints get little variety through the day.

At the Desk

  • Set the top of your screen around eye level, so you are not looking down for hours.
  • Use a separate keyboard and mouse with a laptop, and raise the laptop on a stand.
  • Keep frequently used items within easy reach rather than twisting to grab them.
  • Stand up and look around the room at least every 30–45 minutes.

In the Car

  • Adjust the headrest so it sits close to the back of your head.
  • Set mirrors while sitting tall, so you are not slumping to see them.
  • If you cannot turn your head enough to check blind spots safely, avoid driving until it improves.

Gentle Movement for a Stiff Neck

When the neck is stiff, small, slow movements within a comfortable range are usually a good starting point. General examples your practitioner may adapt:

  • Chin tucks: gently draw the chin back, as if making a double chin, then relax.
  • Rotations: slowly turn your head towards the stiff side until you feel a mild stretch, then return.
  • Side tilts: lower an ear towards a shoulder without lifting the shoulder.
  • Shoulder rolls: slow circles backwards to ease upper back tension.

Aim for a few repetitions several times a day rather than one long session. If any movement causes sharp or spreading pain, stop and get it checked.

Using Heat

Many people find warmth eases muscle tension with limited range of motion. A warm shower or a heat pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes may help before gentle movement. Avoid falling asleep on a heat pack.

Choosing a Pillow That Suits You

There is no single "right" pillow, but the general aim is to keep your neck roughly in line with the rest of your spine.

  • Side sleepers: usually need a higher pillow to fill the gap between ear and shoulder.
  • Back sleepers: often suit a lower, supportive pillow that does not push the chin forward.
  • Stomach sleepers: this position twists the neck for hours; try gradually transitioning to side-lying.

A pillow alone rarely fixes limited range of motion, but it may make nights easier. Give a new pillow a couple of weeks before judging it, as change itself can feel odd at first.

When Limited Range of Motion Needs Urgent Care

  • Call 000 or go to an emergency department if neck pain or stiffness follows a car accident, fall, sporting collision or other trauma, especially with numbness, tingling or weakness.
  • Call 000 if a stiff neck comes with fever, severe headache, sensitivity to light, a rash, confusion or vomiting, as these can be signs of meningitis.
  • Call 000 for sudden severe headache, dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, facial drooping, or weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
  • See your GP if neck pain comes with unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or night pain that does not ease with rest.

Healthdirect has general information on neck pain and when to seek help.

Who at Bodyline May Help

  • Chiropractic with Dr Phil Mifsud: looks at how the neck and upper back joints move, with gentle hands-on care and exercise. Dr Phil is also an exercise physiologist.
  • Physiotherapy with Mary Fleming: may focus on mobility and strengthening exercise for the neck and shoulders.
  • Myotherapy with Keryn Arrowsmith and remedial massage with Jack Robertson: aim to ease tight, guarded muscles that often come with limited range of motion.

What an Assessment for Limited Range of Motion Involves

1. History

We ask how and when the stiffness began, which directions are restricted, how you sleep, your work and driving set-up, and any headaches, arm symptoms or past injuries.

2. Examination

Your practitioner measures how far you can turn, tilt and bend, checks the upper back and shoulders, and may test reflexes, sensation and strength in the arms.

3. X-Ray Only if Clinically Indicated

Most people with limited range of motion do not need imaging. Onsite digital X-ray is available when your history and examination suggest it is warranted.

4. Plan and Home Exercises

We explain what we found and agree on a plan. You will usually leave with a few gentle movements and practical desk, driving or pillow tips. Dr Phil's free education videos can be a useful reminder at home.

Health Fund Claims and HICAPS

If your extras cover includes chiropractic, physiotherapy, myotherapy or remedial massage, you can usually claim on the spot through HICAPS and pay only the gap. Rebates vary by fund and level of cover. See our payments and funding page for details.

Book Your Neck Assessment

If limited range of motion is making it hard to drive, work or sleep, an assessment may help you understand what is going on and how to move more comfortably. Call (03) 9017 4784 or book online. Bodyline is a short drive from across the Diamond Valley, with free parking right outside.