Condition guide
Cervical Radiculopathy Physiotherapy
Assessment and rehabilitation for neck-related nerve root irritation causing arm pain, tingling, or weakness.
Cervical radiculopathy can affect neck movement, arm function, and sleep. Physiotherapy focuses on symptom reduction and gradual functional recovery.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 for new problems walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden loss of coordination, such as difficulty doing up buttons. These can be signs of a medical emergency; do not wait for routine physiotherapy. Severe neck pain starting suddenly or worsening quickly, or heaviness or weakness in your arms or legs, needs an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 advice.
NHS: Cervical spondylosis: urgent neck and nerve warning signsCommon Symptoms
Neck pain with pain radiating into the arm
Pins and needles or numbness in arm or hand
Weakness in shoulder, arm, or grip
Pain worsened by neck position or prolonged sitting
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Rapidly worsening arm weakness
Major hand function changes
Severe persistent neurological symptoms
Balance disturbance with worsening neck/arm symptoms
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Detailed neurological and movement examination
Assessment of symptom behaviour and aggravating factors
Functional screening for work and daily tasks
Clear plan for treatment, monitoring, and safety-netting
Treatment
Positioning and movement strategies to reduce irritation
Neck and upper limb mobility/control exercises
Progressive strength and postural support work
Return-to-work guidance with pacing advice
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Avoid sustained aggravating neck positions
Use regular movement breaks through the day
Complete prescribed exercises consistently
Report new weakness or worsening neurological symptoms early
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cervical radiculopathy the same as a trapped nerve?+
It is often described that way. It refers to irritation or compression of a nerve root in the neck.
Can this improve without surgery?+
Many cases improve with conservative management and rehabilitation. We advise referral when needed.
Will symptoms in the arm settle first or neck pain first?+
Progress varies. Both are monitored during treatment, and the plan is adjusted based on response.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.