Treated at all four Suffolk County offices

Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

Neck pain that keeps coming back usually needs more than a rub and a stretch. We combine manual therapy with exercise at four Suffolk County offices, and add needling where the muscles will not let go.

Does this sound like you?

  • Stiffness turning your head to check a blind spot
  • Ache across the top of the shoulders by the end of the day
  • Headaches that start at the base of the skull
  • Worse after long stretches at a desk or on a phone
  • It settles then returns every few weeks
  • Sleep position makes a noticeable difference

If you recognized yourself in more than one of those, that is enough to book. You do not need a diagnosis to come in, and you do not need a referral to start.

How we treat neck pain

Most people do best on a combination. Your first visit sorts out which of these you actually need, and in what order.

Physical Therapy

Manual therapy combined with exercise is what physical therapy guidelines actually recommend for persistent neck pain. Hands-on work plus the exercise that makes it stick.

Dry Needling

Named in the physical therapy guideline as one option within a multimodal program. Useful when specific tight bands keep reloading the same problem.

Acupuncture

Gives modest short-term pain relief on the evidence we have. We use it to make the exercise work possible, not as a standalone fix.

What happens when you come in

1

We work out the cause

A full history and a hands-on exam. We look at how you move, not only where it hurts, so the plan targets the thing driving the pain.

2

Treatment starts the same day

You are treated on the first visit in most cases. No waiting for a second appointment to begin.

3

We reassess as you go

We check progress at set points and adjust. If something is not working we change it or tell you honestly that we are not the right fit.

Your plan probably covers this

We accept The Empire Plan/NYSHIP, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare and UnitedHealthcare, and other plans that have out-of-network coverage. We check your benefits before your first visit and tell you what you will owe, so nothing lands on you at the front desk.

We handle the billing. In most cases you pay a co-insurance amount at the visit and we take it from there.

Not every plan covers every service, and coverage depends on medical necessity. A few plans place us outside their network. When that happens we still file the claim for you and give you the cost in writing before you book.

Plans we accept

What the research says

Clinical guidelines for physical therapists support manual therapy combined with exercise for chronic neck pain, and list dry needling as one option within a multimodal program. Cochrane reviewers found acupuncture gives modest short-term pain relief compared with a simulated version, and were clear that the effect does not appear to last long term. That is why the exercise part matters. We assess first, then tell you what the evidence actually supports for your neck.

Source: Blanpied PR, et al. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2017. Trinh K, et al. Acupuncture for neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016.

Arm weakness or numbness that is getting worse, changes in hand dexterity or walking, neck pain after a significant injury, or neck pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer needs prompt medical evaluation rather than conservative care. Needling near the neck and upper chest carries a small risk of pneumothorax, which we will discuss before treating.

Questions people ask us

How much will this cost me?

With most plans you pay your co-insurance. We verify benefits before your first visit and tell you the number.

Do I need a referral or imaging?

No referral for physical therapy in New York for up to 30 days or 10 visits. Imaging is rarely needed to start.

Will the relief last?

Honestly, hands-on work and needling tend to give short-term relief. The exercise is what makes it hold, which is why we do not offer one without the other.

Is my posture the cause?

Usually part of it rather than all of it. We look at what your neck tolerates and build from there instead of blaming one thing.

How soon can I get in?

Usually the same week.

Where we treat neck pain

Four offices across Suffolk County. Call the one nearest you, or request an appointment and we will route it.

What our patients say

Excellent
Thrive Health of Smithtown4.9
Based on 92 reviews
Mary D.
5 days ago
Love this place
Sheila W.
1 week ago
I love Thrive in Smithtown. The entire team is so professional, wise, kind, and caring! It’s like having an extended family of support for your health. Thank you to Mayra, Stacy, Chris, Monica, Lindsay, Jane, Justin, Carolyn, Jake, Lindsay, Gabby, Sam, Rowland, Gina and if I missed someone it’s because I don’t see them based on my schedule! Even the ultrasound tech’s are the kindest people! The best place for PT, Acupuncture, Massage and so much more!
PhatAndFabulous
1 week ago
Thrive gets my back & shoulders feeling better every time.
Audrey A.
1 week ago
Chris (massage therapist) and Stacy (acupuncturist) are amazingly skilled practitioners and genuinely just lovely, kind people. I’m currently pregnant and Chris has gone above and beyond be able to continue massaging me safely throughout my pregnancy. Stacy has been so sweet and invested in my journey as well, it really makes this place special. I think check-in has taken a hit since losing Sabrina, she was great. But otherwise this place is awesome.
Cami D.
3 weeks ago
Annamaria I.
3 weeks ago
Professional and kind people who truly care for their patients
Melissa N.
3 weeks ago
Very helpful, clean, organized and friendly staff that are effective with treatment for my sciatic and lower back pain.
Mike K.
3 weeks ago
I am a person that has many physical issues. I found Thrive of Smithtown, on an post that Doreen had put up on Facebook. I figured I would give this physical therapy office a shot. All the folks at this office are professionals and have helped me with all my medical issues. You have to put the time in to feel the results. I like the hands on approach at this PT office. The other PT offices I have used, put some heat and stim on the area of concern, then send you to the equipment and see ya later. If you are looking for a change or if you think you should have better results. Check them out!
Melanie S.
8 months ago
Veronica J.
8 months ago

Stop planning your week around it

Tell us what is going on and we will get you in. Most plans accepted, and we check your coverage before you come.

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