Have you ever felt the discomfort of waking up with a stiff neck, unable to move freely or turn your head? That moment, equal parts painful and perplexing, is more common than you might think. At Me Physio, we often meet people navigating this experience for the first time. Understanding what it is, why it happens, and how we can support the body’s recovery is part of our purpose.

What are the common symptoms of wry neck?

Understanding the signs of wry neck helps guide early intervention. Typical symptoms include:

• Sharp and local pain.  Generally in the middle or one side of the neck is affected.
• Wry neck can emerge from a variety of structural and muscular dysfunctions:
  • Acute facet joint locking: Often seen in adults after abrupt motion or prolonged awkward postures.
  • Muscular spasm: Triggered by overuse, emotional stress, or cold exposure.
  • Congenital torticollis: Affects infants, typically linked to birth trauma or in-utero positioning.
  • Inflammation or infection: In rare cases, nearby inflammation can impact neck muscles and joints.

  Understanding the underlying cause of wry neck is essential for tailored treatment.

  What treatment options are available for wry neck?

  Wry neck treatment is guided by physiotherapy principles that restore balance, mobility, and calm to the affected area:

  • Manual therapy to ease joint stiffness and restore alignment
  • Targeted stretching to release muscle tightness and improve symmetry
  • Heat and cold therapy to regulate inflammation and soothe spasms
  • Education on postural habits to prevent recurrence and build awareness

  In some cases, temporary use of anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants can support healing. At Me Physio, we combine evidence-based techniques with a holis

How can physiotherapy help wry neck?

Your physiotherapist will thoroughly assess the movement of the neck and upper back.  Physiotherapy treatment will utilise a range of gentle techniques to unlock and restore motion to the joint.  Whilst the joint can be unlocked relatively quickly, lingering symptoms include a dull ache and mild spasm.  These lingering symptoms are associated with inflammation of the joint and the surrounding soft tissue

It is important to restore normal neck flexibility and function as soon as possible in order to prevent recurrent episodes.

What are the recovery timeline and prognosis for wry neck

Most people experience notable relief within one to two weeks. Early physiotherapy can shorten recovery time significantly.

Several factors influence healing:

• The type and severity of the wry neck
• How early treatment begins
• Individual posture and movement habits

Preventing recurrence involves:

• Regular neck and upper back strengthening
• Posture retraining
• Reducing prolonged static positions

As part of recovery, we often recommend movement rituals, gentle morning stretches, mindful breathing, and daily posture resets, to honour the body’s resilience.

How is wry neck diagnosed in babies and children?

Early recognition of wry neck in infants, especially congenital torticollis, is vital. Parents may notice:

• Head consistently tilted to one side
• Uneven head shape from favouring one position
• Limited head movement during feeding or play

Physiotherapists use careful observation and sometimes ultrasound to assess muscle length and joint motion.

Gentle early interventions are remarkably effective:

• Daily stretching routines
• Supervised tummy time
• Feeding positions that encourage turning

These become not just exercises, but moments of bonding, daily rituals that nurture both muscular development and the parent-child relationship.

How can I prevent wry neck?

Whilst the specific cause is unknown, maximising neck flexibility and strength has been shown to reduce the likelihood of wry neck.

• Monitor your posture.  Check your desk set up as this can be a common contributor.
• Maintain overall fitness.  Regular exercise is a great way to offset the ill effects of sitting or standing for work.
• Use a contoured pillow.  Approximately 1/3 the day is spent sleeping.  A contoured pillow is a great way to support the head and neck throughout the neck and minimise any excessive stress or strain.

If you think you are experiencing wry neck, call us or book online.