Wry Neck? How Remedial Massage Eases Pain and Restores Neck Movement - Techniques & Modalities Series

Waking up with your head stuck to one side, sharp pain shooting down your neck, and no ability to turn comfortably — if this sounds familiar, you’ve likely experienced wry neck. It can come on suddenly, and it’s often hard to pinpoint exactly what caused it.

At BSPOKR Remedial Massage, we regularly treat clients suffering from acute neck spasms and wry neck episodes. The good news? With the right treatment, relief can come quickly — often within just a few sessions.

What is Wry Neck?

Wry neck (also known as acute torticollis) is a sudden onset of painful, restricted movement in the neck, often caused by:

Sleeping in an awkward position

Sudden neck movements or strains

Stress or poor posture

Underlying joint irritation or disc issues

The muscles on one side of the neck seize up, holding your head in a twisted or tilted position. This is your body’s protective response to perceived irritation or threat around the facet joints or soft tissues in the cervical spine.

Symptoms of Wry Neck

Sudden neck stiffness

Sharp pain when trying to turn or tilt your head

Limited movement, especially in one direction

Pain referring into the shoulder or upper back

Head tilted awkwardly to one side

How Remedial Massage Helps Wry Neck Recovery

When the neck is in spasm, it needs gentle, targeted care and not aggressive pushing or forceful cracking. At BSPOKR, we work carefully to soothe the muscle guarding, restore mobility, and reduce pain.

Massage Techniques We Use:

Gentle soft tissue massage to calm hyperactive muscles like the upper traps, SCM, levator scapulae, and scalenes
Trigger point therapy for referred pain patterns
Myofascial release to reduce tension in surrounding areas (like shoulders and upper back)
Neck and shoulder mobilisations to gradually restore movement
Heat therapy and breathwork to support nervous system relaxation

We always work within your pain limits and adapt the session depending on whether you’re in an acute phase or beginning to recover.

Benefits of Massage for Wry Neck

Eases muscle spasm and guarding

Restores neck rotation and side bending

Reduces tension in surrounding muscles

Encourages calm through breath and nervous system regulation

Supports faster recovery without aggravating pain

What To Do (and Not Do) at Home

Do:

• Apply gentle heat

• Rest your neck — but stay mobile with slow, easy movements

• Use deep belly breathing to reduce tension

• Sleep with good head support (a low pillow is ideal)

Avoid:

• Quick or jerky movements

• Trying to “crack” your own neck

• Long periods of sitting at a desk or looking down at your phone

Massage is most effective when paired with gentle movement and posture awareness.

(If you have been to see me you will know I mention this at some stage during or post treatment.)

Why Choose BSPOKR for Neck Pain Treatment?

We know that pain in the neck can be more than just physical — it’s frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes scary. At BSPOKR, your comfort comes first. We listen, assess, and treat in a way that supports both your body and nervous system to help you feel better, faster.

Stuck in a painful position? Let’s get your neck moving again — gently.

Book your tailored remedial massage
Or message us with questions if you’re not sure what you need right now.