Mobile Head and Neck Physical Therapy in Scottsdale
We come to you in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
Neck pain can come from poor posture, muscle strain, an injury, or an underlying condition. It can also lead to headaches and make everyday tasks like driving, working at a computer, or sleeping uncomfortable. We provide personalized physical therapy to reduce stiffness, restore mobility, and strengthen the muscles that support your neck.
Anatomy of the Head and Neck
Your skull sits on top of the spine and is supported by the first vertebra in your neck, called C1.
The spine is usually made up of 33 vertebrae grouped into five regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), lumbar (low back), sacral, and coccygeal (tailbone). Some people are born with extra or fused vertebrae, which can change how their spine moves.
Cervical Spine
The cervical spine is your neck. It has seven vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7, that form a gentle inward curve called lordosis. Each part of the neck specializes in certain movements, but all seven vertebrae work together to move your head.
The top two vertebrae are unique. C1, called the atlas, holds up your skull, and the joint between them handles much of the small nodding motion when you say "yes." C2, called the axis, acts as a pivot. Together, C1 and C2 provide about half of your neck's rotation, like when you shake your head "no."
C3 through C7 have a more typical vertebra shape. They handle most of the motion when you bend your neck forward, backward, and side to side, and they also help with rotation.
Support and Mobility
Your neck has a demanding job. It supports the weight of your head, about 10 to 12 pounds, while letting you look in almost any direction. Between most of the vertebrae sits a disc with a gel-like center that cushions and absorbs shock. At the back of the spine, small facet joints connect each pair of vertebrae and guide movement. Together, the discs and facet joints form openings that protect the spinal cord and the nerve roots that travel to your arms.
Layers of muscle surround the spine to hold it steady and move it. Some produce large movements, like nodding or shaking your head, while others make small adjustments, like bobbing your head to music. When poor posture, injury, or weakness throws off this balance, these muscles can become tight or irritated, leading to neck pain, tension headaches, or cervicogenic headaches (headaches that start in the neck).
Call NowCommon Causes of Neck Pain and Headaches
The most common causes of traumatic neck injuries are car accidents, falls, and impacts during sports. Non-traumatic neck pain usually develops from posture and movement habits, such as sitting at a computer, looking down at your phone, or sleeping in an awkward position.
In grappling sports, neck cranks, guillotines, and getting stacked can also strain the neck. Both traumatic and non-traumatic problems can involve the muscles, joints, nerves, or bones of the neck and lead to pain or headaches.
Other causes of neck pain and headaches include:
Muscle strains or tears- Whiplash
- Wry neck (acute torticollis)
- Pinched nerve (cervical radiculopathy)
- Disc bulges or herniations
- Facet joint irritation
- Arthritis (cervical spondylosis)
- Tension and cervicogenic headaches
- TMJ dysfunction (jaw pain)
- Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Fractures
Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain (aching, sharp, or dull)
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand
- Clicking or popping
- Difficulty sleeping comfortably
- Difficulty looking over your shoulder when driving
How Physical Therapy Helps You
Neck pain and headaches can limit your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy your hobbies. Your symptoms may come from the neck itself, be referred from a nearby muscle, or radiate from an irritated nerve into your shoulder or arm. Your physical therapist will evaluate you to find the source of your symptoms, then build a plan to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore strength. As a mobile practice, we come to you, whether that's your home, gym, or workplace.
We also work with athletes whose sports put heavy demands on the neck, including grapplers, MMA fighters, and golfers. We build your rehab around the positions required for your sport so you can return to training with confidence.
After your initial evaluation, you and your physical therapist will set goals specific to your needs and create a plan of care to help you reach them.
Living with neck pain or headaches doesn't have to be your new normal. Contact us for a free phone consultation and to schedule your initial appointment.
Call NowFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, physical therapy addresses the root causes of neck pain, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, and joint stiffness, to provide lasting relief.
Physical therapy works best for headaches that start in the neck (cervicogenic headaches) and tension headaches. By relieving tension in the neck and upper back, improving posture, and strengthening the muscles that support your neck, it can reduce how often headaches happen and how intense they are. For migraines, physical therapy can help when neck tension or stiffness is a trigger, alongside care from your doctor.
We commonly treat neck stiffness, whiplash, TMJ pain, posture-related discomfort, and headaches caused by tension or injury.
Yes. Neck cranks, guillotines, and getting stacked can strain the muscles and joints of the neck. Physical therapy can shorten your recovery time by restoring range of motion, improving neck strength, and guiding a safe return to training. If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, or symptoms like dizziness or a severe headache after a hard impact, see a doctor before returning to training.
Many patients notice improvements within a few sessions, but long-term results depend on the severity of the condition and consistency with the treatment plan.
In most cases, no referral is needed to begin physical therapy for head and neck conditions. Contact us directly to schedule an evaluation.
Ready to Move Better and Perform at a Higher Level?
Whether you have questions or are ready to get started, reach out and we'll get back to you promptly. You can also call or text us directly to speak with Dr. Phil Yoon.