Physical therapy for neck pain that travels into your arm
Neck pain, arm tingling, or a weaker grip can interrupt your work, sleep, and training. We examine your neck, shoulder, and arm to work out where your symptoms may be coming from. Then we work toward using your arm comfortably again, with one-on-one physical therapy at your home, club, or workplace.
Start with an evaluation
Why neck pain can reach the arm
Nerves leaving your neck help your arm and hand move and feel. If a nerve becomes irritated or compressed, pain can reach your shoulder blade, arm, or fingers. You might also notice tingling, numbness, or weakness. This is called cervical radiculopathy, often described as a pinched nerve in the neck.
But pain radiating down the arm doesn't establish the cause by itself. A shoulder problem or a nerve near your elbow or wrist can produce similar symptoms. An examination helps us tell these apart and decide whether physical therapy is the right next step.
Most cases improve without surgery.
Read the AAOS guidanceWe check your neck, shoulder, and arm
We start with what has changed for you. Perhaps turning your head brings on tingling, or your hand tires while typing. We ask about sleep, previous treatment, and any change in strength.
Your physical therapist compares neck and shoulder movement, then checks arm strength, grip, and sensation. Reflexes and other nerve tests can help when appropriate. We also look at positions that ease or reproduce your symptoms.
If twenty minutes at your desk brings the tingling back, we can examine how you sit and reach. You'll hear what we found, which exercises to begin, and whether you need a medical assessment. The same therapist follows your care as you improve.
What to expect at your evaluationGetting back to work and training
Early treatment focuses on positions and movements that ease your symptoms. We work on restricted neck or shoulder movement and weakened muscles, with exercises you can practice between visits. Hands-on care may help alongside exercise.
As your arm becomes easier to use, we can work on lifting a weight or sitting longer at your desk. We adjust the weight, repetitions, or position, then build toward your usual training week.
Care where you use your arm
If working at your computer brings the tingling back, we can look at your actual desk. We can adjust the screen, chair, or arm support and check whether it helps.
At home, we can try your usual pillow and sleeping position. At your club, we can use familiar equipment as you return to lifting.
Argan provides private-pay mobile physical therapy across Dallas–Fort Worth from Southlake. Online visits are available nationwide. We'll confirm whether you need an in-person examination.
How mobile physical therapy worksQuestions about neck and arm pain
Is this a pinched nerve?
Possibly. Neck nerves, shoulder problems, and nerves affected near the elbow or wrist can cause similar complaints. We compare movement, strength, grip, and sensation before deciding where your symptoms are most likely coming from.
Can physical therapy help cervical radiculopathy?
Physical therapy can help reduce symptoms and rebuild movement and strength. Exercises, hands-on care, and changes to work or training depend on your examination. We reassess if your arm isn't improving.
Do I need an MRI before starting?
Not always. Your symptoms and examination can often guide initial care. MRI can help when symptoms persist, weakness progresses, or findings suggest a spinal cord problem. A clinician decides whether imaging would change treatment.
Can I keep working out?
Often, with temporary changes to exercises that aggravate your arm. We might reduce a weight, shorten a session, or change the movement. Don't push through increasing numbness or weakness.
How long does it take to improve?
Cervical radiculopathy often starts improving within 12 weeks, though some symptoms take longer. We track changes such as sleeping comfortably, typing longer, and lifting more easily. If symptoms worsen or aren't improving, we reassess.
Will I need surgery?
Most people with cervical radiculopathy improve without surgery. A specialist may discuss surgery if disabling symptoms persist despite nonsurgical care or neurological problems worsen. Your examination and imaging help guide that decision.
When should I see a doctor sooner?
Seek urgent medical assessment for new or worsening weakness, clumsy hands, or changes in walking or balance. Call 911 for sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, or sudden difficulty walking. Weakness or numbness after a head, neck, or back injury also needs emergency care.
Let's examine your neck and arm
Tell us where the pain or tingling travels and what it's keeping you from doing. We'll examine your neck and arm and discuss the next step.
Start with an evaluation
Founder of Argan Physiotherapy
Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist