Stiff Neck and Wry Neck Physiotherapy in Clapham
Woken up with a stiff, painful neck and can’t turn your head? A stiff or wry neck usually settles within days, and treatment can help ease the pain sooner. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding a Stiff Neck and Wry Neck
As part of our neck physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats stiff neck and wry neck (acute torticollis) in Clapham, helping you ease the spasm, get moving and stop it coming back.
What Is Wry Neck?
According to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, wry neck (acute torticollis) is a muscle spasm that leaves your head tilted to one side, with your chin turned to the other.
Common Causes
A stiff or wry neck often follows sleeping or sitting in an awkward position, long periods at a computer, or carrying uneven loads, such as a baby or a heavy bag on one shoulder.
How Long Does It Last?
Wry neck usually gets better on its own within a few days, though it sometimes takes a little longer. The NHS says most neck pain only lasts a few weeks.
What Helps at Home
The NHS suggests painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, heat packs, a supportive pillow and gentle neck exercises. Avoid neck collars and keep moving as much as you comfortably can.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Olivia will help you:
- Ease muscle spasm with gentle hands-on treatment
- Restore comfortable movement in your neck and upper back
- Look at your sleeping position, pillow and desk set-up
- Build strength to reduce the chance of it happening again
Keeps Coming Back?
If you keep waking with a stiff neck, there is often a pattern, such as posture, stress, feeding positions or weakness. Olivia will look for the cause, not just ease the pain.
When to Get Urgent Help
A stiff neck with a high temperature, a rash, a severe headache or sensitivity to light can be a sign of meningitis. Call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through how the stiffness started, how often it happens and what makes it better or worse
- Assess your neck, upper back, shoulders and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Stiff Neck FAQs
- How do I get rid of a stiff neck fast?
Keep gently moving your neck, use heat and simple painkillers, and avoid lying still for long periods. If it is not easing after a few days, physiotherapy can help.
- Why do I keep waking up with a stiff neck?
Common reasons include your pillow or sleeping position, long hours at a desk, stress and carrying or feeding your baby in the same position. Olivia can help find your triggers.
- Should I see a physio for a stiff neck?
Many stiff necks settle on their own. See a physiotherapist if the pain is not improving after a few days, keeps coming back, or you have pain or tingling down your arm.
- Is it safe to massage a stiff neck?
Gentle massage and heat can help relax tight muscles. Avoid forceful twisting or cracking movements.
- Can a pillow cause a stiff neck?
It can contribute. A pillow that keeps your neck level with the rest of your spine is usually most comfortable.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.