When is physiotherapy recommended for cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve leaving the neck becomes irritated or compressed. Pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness may travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. A physiotherapist considers your symptoms, neck movement, strength, reflexes, and daily activities before choosing exercises. Treatment may include gentle mobility work, posture changes, nerve-friendly movement, and strengthening for the neck and upper body.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms are limiting sleep, work, driving, or arm use, or if they are not settling with sensible activity changes. Follow the prescribed home programme and increase activity gradually. Avoid forcing neck positions that sharply increase arm pain or numbness. The [Cervical Radiculopathy](/conditions/cervical-radiculopathy/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) pages provide related explanations.

Seek urgent medical assessment for new or worsening arm or hand weakness, loss of coordination, difficulty walking, or problems controlling your bladder or bowel. Rapidly increasing numbness, severe neck pain after an injury, or symptoms affecting both arms also need prompt review.

Ask whether your examination supports physiotherapy, which movements should be avoided, how to monitor weakness, and when imaging or specialist review would be considered.