Targeted soft tissue treatment for neck pain, upper trap tightness and cervical stiffness. Private practice at Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW. BTEC Level 5 qualified. 64 five-star reviews.
Most neck pain is not caused by the cervical spine. It is driven by tight pectoral muscles and pec minor pulling the shoulders forward, overloaded upper trapezius and levator scapulae working overtime to hold a forward head position, and suboccipital tension from prolonged screen time. These are all soft tissue problems — and they respond directly to targeted massage.
The pattern is almost universal in desk workers: hours of sitting with the chin forward, the chest tight and the upper back rounding. The posterior neck muscles are under permanent load. Over time they tighten, restrict movement and begin to refer pain — into the head as tension headaches, across the shoulder, or down the arm. Stretching gives temporary relief. Treatment of the actual cause gives lasting results.
Or book via Treatwell · Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW
Upper Trapezius & Levator Scapulae
The two muscles most commonly driving neck pain. Both overwork to compensate for poor head position and shortened chest muscles — releasing them is the first step.
Suboccipital Muscles
Four small muscles at the base of the skull that control fine head movement. In desk workers they are chronically tight and are the primary cause of cervicogenic headaches.
Pec Minor & Scalenes
Anterior muscles that pull the head and shoulder forward. Without releasing them, posterior neck work only provides temporary relief because the forward pull is still active.
Thoracic Spine Mobility
Restricted thoracic mobility forces the cervical spine to compensate. Restoring movement here consistently reduces the load on the neck muscles above it.
Persistent restriction in rotation or lateral movement. Usually a combination of tight scalenes, upper traps and levator scapulae that have been in a shortened state for months or years.
A sudden onset of pain and stiffness, often after sleeping in an awkward position or sitting at a desk for too long. Can be addressed with gentle work even in the acute phase — Nick will adapt the approach to your presentation.
Headaches driven by suboccipital and upper trap tension. The headache itself is referred pain — treating the neck directly resolves both the stiffness and the headache pattern.
The most common presentation. Forward head position, tight pec minor, overloaded upper traps — a daily pattern that accumulates over years of screen work. Responds well to regular treatment.
Neck pain and shoulder tension frequently occur together — the upper trap spans both areas and treating one without the other rarely produces lasting results. Both are addressed in the same session.
Long hours driving creates a similar postural pattern to desk work — head forward, chin dropped, shoulders rounded. Particularly common in delivery drivers, commuters and anyone spending more than two hours a day behind the wheel.
Every session starts with a brief assessment — understanding how long the pain has been present, what aggravates it, and what your typical day looks like. This gives Nick the information he needs to treat the actual cause rather than just the area of pain.
For neck pain, treatment typically works across the posterior neck, upper trapezius, suboccipitals and thoracic spine, followed by anterior work on the pec minor and scalenes if needed. For deep-seated or chronic tension, deep tissue massage allows sustained work through the tissue layers. For complex or recurring presentations, remedial massage uses a structured clinical assessment approach.
You will leave with specific stretches and postural advice tailored to your situation and working pattern. Most clients notice significant improvement in range of movement and pain levels within 24 to 48 hours of the first session.
13+ years treating neck pain, desk worker tension and postural problems. Clinical background includes Nuffield Health, Google HQ corporate massage (on-site treating office professionals), Ewell Chiropractic and The Ned. Neck and upper trap tension is the most common presenting complaint seen in practice.
MSMA Member — Sports Massage Association (SMA)
If you hold private health insurance, you may be able to claim sports massage sessions back. Check with your provider — a detailed receipt is provided on request.
"Very professional, knowledgeable and attentive. Nick took an interest in finding the cause of my shoulder and neck pain — experienced for more than 10 years — and worked on an old spasm in my lower back that no other therapist had been interested in. I will be back next week."
"Extremely attentive, genuine and a master of his craft. Nick really listens and tailors every session to what you actually need. Highly recommend to anyone dealing with tension or desk related pain."
"Have been going to Nick for a few months and he has really helped me with the problems I have with my back, shoulders and legs. After sitting in a typist's chair for seventeen years I was struggling. I would definitely recommend him."