Manual Therapy and Exercise in the Management of Chronic Neck Pain: A Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with significant disability and reduced quality of life. Physiotherapy, particularly manual therapy and exercise, is central to its conservative management. This review synthesises current evidence on manual therapy and exercise in the management of chronic neck pain. It examines the principal interventions, including manual therapy techniques such as mobilisation, exercise therapy and strengthening, postural and motor control training, and education and self management, and reviews evidence regarding their effects on pain, disability and function. The literature indicates that both manual therapy and exercise are effective in reducing pain and disability in chronic neck pain, and that their combination is generally more effective than either alone, supporting a multimodal approach. The review emphasises individualised, multimodal treatment and active patient engagement. It concludes that manual therapy and exercise, particularly in combination, are effective components of musculoskeletal physiotherapy for chronic neck pain, and highlights the need for further research to optimise treatment selection and long-term outcomes .

KEYWORDS: Neck Pain, Manual Therapy, Exercise Therapy, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Disability, Mobilisation, Multimodal Treatment, Rehabilitation