Help for Neck and Shoulder Pain in the UK

Uses your browser’s own voice. Nothing is sent to us.

In short: The NHS says most neck pain only lasts a few weeks, and you can usually ease shoulder pain yourself, though it can take 6 months or longer to recover. Keeping gently moving is part of the NHS advice for both. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without seeing a GP, or you can see a private physiotherapist. Search Therapist Circle, a free UK directory. This page is general information, not personal medical advice.

Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

When to Get Urgent Help

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have sudden or very bad shoulder pain, cannot move your arm, your arm or shoulder has changed shape or is badly swollen, you have pins and needles that do not go away or no feeling in your arm, your arm or shoulder is hot or cold to touch, the pain started after an injury or fall, you have severe pain in both shoulders, or you feel feverish or unwell. Source: NHS: shoulder pain. Therapist Circle is not an emergency service.

Easing Neck Pain Yourself

The NHS suggests paracetamol or ibuprofen (or ibuprofen gel), a low, firm pillow, heat or cold packs, and neck flexibility exercises. It advises against wearing a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to, because it is better to keep your neck moving, and against doing anything that could be dangerous if you cannot move your neck, such as driving or cycling.

See a GP if neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks, painkillers have not worked, you are worried, or you have other symptoms such as pins and needles or a cold arm. Source: NHS: neck pain.

Easing Shoulder Pain Yourself

The NHS says to stay active and gently move your shoulder, try shoulder exercises for 6 to 8 weeks to stop pain returning, and use pain relief so you can keep moving. It advises not to stop using your shoulder completely, not to make up your own strenuous exercises or use heavy gym equipment, and not to slouch. A pharmacist can suggest pain relief.

See a GP if shoulder pain is getting worse or has not improved after 2 weeks, or it is very difficult to move your arm. Source: NHS: shoulder pain.

NHS and Private Physiotherapy

The NHS says that in many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without a GP referral: see get NHS help for back or joint problems. For shoulder pain it notes NHS physiotherapy waiting times can be long and you can also pay privately; if you are still in pain after your sessions end, go back to your GP or refer yourself back to the MSK service.

A private physiotherapist can assess you and set exercises. The CSP has a find a physiotherapist search. Physiotherapist is a protected title, so check the HCPC register.

Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask a private allied health professional and how much therapy costs. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.

Common Questions

How long does neck pain last?

The NHS says most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. See a GP if it does not go away after a few weeks or painkillers have not helped.

Should I wear a neck collar?

The NHS advises not to wear a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to, because it is better to keep your neck moving.

Can I refer myself to a physio for shoulder pain?

In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, which include physiotherapy, without seeing a GP. You can also see a private physiotherapist.

When is shoulder pain urgent?

The NHS says to get an urgent GP appointment or contact 111 for sudden or very bad pain, if you cannot move your arm, if it has changed shape or is badly swollen, after an injury or fall, or if you feel feverish or unwell, among other signs.

Does Therapist Circle recommend physiotherapists?

No. Therapist Circle is a free directory, not a provider. We check each practitioner's registration when they join, and we do not recommend or guarantee anyone.

Last updated 10 November 2026. Facts are drawn from the official websites linked on this page, read on 10 November 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

Are you a physiotherapist? List your physiotherapy practice free in our register-checked UK directory.

Find a therapist · Check a register · All guides · Links and resources