Shoulder & Neck Pain in Washington, DC

Get Lasting Relief from Shoulder Pain, Neck Tension, and Headaches in Washington, DC

At Manual Medicine Spine & Sports Physical Therapy in Washington, DC, we help patients reclaim their mobility and live pain-free through expert treatment of shoulder and neck pain—often the hidden cause of recurring headaches and upper back stiffness. Whether your discomfort is rooted in posture, injury, or muscular imbalances, our personalized, hands-on care is designed to uncover the root cause and deliver real, lasting results.

What’s Causing Your Shoulder or Neck Pain?

The neck and shoulder work closely together. When one is restricted or injured, the other often compensates—leading to pain, stiffness, and headaches that don’t go away.

Common causes of neck and shoulder pain include:

• Poor posture from computer work, phone use, or sleep position.

• Muscle strain from repetitive overhead activity or sudden injury.

• Joint stiffness or arthritis in the cervical spine or shoulder joint.

• Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, or impingement.

• Nerve compression from disc herniation or shoulder instability.

• Stress-related tension causing tight muscles in the upper back and neck.

• Frozen shoulder or labral tears affecting joint motion and strength.

Over time, these issues can cause:

• Radiating pain into the arm or head

• Limited range of motion

• Weakness in the upper back or shoulder

• Chronic headaches linked to neck tension

• Difficulty sleeping, reaching, lifting, or turning your head

Expert Evaluation in Washington, DC: Get the Full Picture

We start with a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the true source of your pain—not just the symptoms. Your initial visit may include:

• Postural analysis to identify strain patterns

• Range of motion testing for the neck and shoulder

• Strength assessments for muscular imbalances

• Joint mobility testing to evaluate stiffness or misalignment

• Neurological screening to check for nerve irritation or compression

Our in-depth process ensures your care plan addresses every contributing factor—so you don’t just feel better, you move better.

Proven, Personalized Treatment That Works

At Manual Medicine, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Your treatment plan is built around your goals, diagnosis, and lifestyle—and may include:

1. Hands-On Manual Therapy

We use advanced manual techniques to release tension, restore joint mobility, and reduce pain—whether in the shoulder, neck, or upper back. This includes:

• Joint mobilizations

• Soft tissue release

• Trigger point therapy

2. Targeted Strength & Mobility Training

We help stabilize and support your spine and shoulder with exercises designed to:

• Strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular muscles

• Improve cervical and thoracic posture

• Restore balance and control across both regions

3. Postural and Ergonomic Retraining

Poor movement habits lead to recurring pain. We’ll retrain how you sit, stand, sleep, and move—reducing strain during work, sleep, and daily activity.

4. Headache Relief Through Cervical Spine Care

Tension headaches often stem from the neck. By correcting joint restrictions, reducing muscular tension, and improving posture, we help relieve recurring head pain without relying on medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a PT for neck or shoulder pain?

If your pain lasts more than 1–2 weeks, worsens with movement, or affects your ability to lift, reach, turn your head, or sleep—get evaluated. Early care prevents long-term damage.

Can physical therapy help my headaches?

Yes. Many headaches are cervicogenic—caused by neck tension or joint dysfunction. Manual therapy and posture correction often provide significant relief.

What if my pain is in both my neck and shoulder?

That’s common. Our therapists are trained to treat interconnected pain patterns that affect multiple regions—ensuring your recovery is complete, not partial.

How long until I feel better?

Many patients feel relief within the first few sessions, with continued improvement over a customized 4–6 week plan. Your therapist will set clear expectations based on your condition.

Why Choose Manual Medicine Spine & Sports Physical Therapy?

• One-on-one care with experienced therapists

• Advanced manual therapy techniques

• Customized recovery plans focused on long-term results

• Expertise in both orthopedic and neuromuscular pain patterns

• Whole-body approach to healing, not just symptom management

We don’t just want your pain to go away—we want it to stay away.

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief

Don’t let neck pain, shoulder stiffness, or headaches limit your life. Get expert, hands-on care that addresses the root cause—so you can move better, sleep better, and live pain-free.

Call us at (202) 670-8874 or
Book your evaluation online today with Manual Medicine Spine & Sports Physical Therapy in Washington, DC.