Neck Pain & Posture: How Movement Therapy May Help

Neck Pain

1. Introduction: Why Neck Pain is So Common Today

In today’s digital age, many people spend hours in front of computers, scrolling through phones, or sitting with poor posture. Over time, this can lead to chronic neck stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

“Up to 70% of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives.” – World Health Organization

2. How Poor Posture Contributes to Neck Pain

Poor posture places extra strain on your neck muscles, especially when your head juts forward (“text neck” or “forward head posture”).

Common causes include:

  • Prolonged sitting at desks

  • Looking down at phones

  • Improper sleeping posture

  • Driving posture

Symptoms to look for:

  • Stiffness in the neck and shoulders

  • Headaches starting from the base of the skull

  • Tingling or numbness in arms or hands

3. What is Movement Therapy?

Movement therapy refers to guided, intentional exercises and stretches designed to restore healthy movement patterns and reduce pain.

Types of movement therapy include:

  • Physiotherapy

  • Kinesiology (Active Rehab)

  • Clinical Pilates

  • Functional Movement Training

These therapies help realign posture, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve flexibility.

4. How Movement Therapy Helps with Neck Pain and Posture

✔️ Re-educates muscles to support the spine properly

✔️ Reduces tension in overworked muscles

✔️ Increases range of motion in the neck and upper back

✔️ Improves awareness of body posture during daily activities

A registered physiotherapist or kinesiologist can assess your movement and posture, and guide you through personalized exercises.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Neck Pain

TCM offers a powerful, natural approach to managing neck pain, especially when combined with movement therapy.

Acupuncture

Inserts very fine needles into specific points along the body’s meridians to:

  • Promote blood circulation

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Relieve muscle tension

  • Encourage natural healing

Research supports acupuncture for chronic neck pain and tension headaches.

Tuina (Chinese Manual Therapy)

Tuina uses targeted massage and manipulation techniques to:

  • Release muscle knots and stiffness

  • Stimulate circulation in the neck and shoulders

  • Improve energy (Qi) flow

It can be especially effective for neck pain related to stress or muscle imbalance.

Herbal Remedies

Customized herbal formulas may help reduce internal inflammation and support recovery, especially when neck pain is related to underlying deficiencies or systemic imbalances.

Cupping & Gua Sha

These techniques are commonly used to:

  • Relieve muscle tension

  • Improve local circulation

  • Break down adhesions in tight fascia

They may leave temporary marks on the skin but are generally painless and relaxing.

6. What to Expect at Your First Visit

Whether you choose physiotherapy, kinesiology, or TCM, your first visit will usually include:

  • A thorough health and posture assessment

  • Identification of root causes of your neck pain

  • A personalized treatment plan

  • Hands-on therapy (if appropriate)

  • Home care advice and exercises

7. When to Seek Help

It’s time to get professional care if:

  • Your neck pain has lasted more than a few days

  • You notice numbness, tingling, or weakness

  • Pain is interfering with your work or sleep

  • You’re frequently experiencing tension headaches

  • You want to improve your posture and prevent future pain

8. Book an Appointment at Phoenix Rehab

At Phoenix Rehab, we combine the best of Western movement therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine to address the root of your pain—naturally and holistically.

Services include:

  • Physiotherapy & Kinesiology

  • Acupuncture & Tuina

  • Massage Therapy

  • Active Rehab & Postural Coaching

📍 Conveniently located in Burnaby, near Boundary Road.

💳 Most extended health insurance plans accepted.

👉 Call 778-379-9888 or Book your Appointment Online