Expert Neck Pain Physical Therapy in Raleigh, NC
Get lasting relief from neck pain with personalized treatment plans that address the source of your dysfunction, not just the symptoms
Neck Pain Shouldn't Stop You from Living Your Active Life
Whether you’re an athlete or weekend warrior, chronic neck pain is holding you back from what you love
Limited Range of Motion
Stiffness and restricted movement making it difficult to train, work, or even turn your head while driving
Persistent Pain & Headaches
Constant aching, tension headaches, or sharp pain that interferes with your performance and daily activities
Compensation Patterns
Your body adapting to neck pain creates dysfunction in your shoulders, back, and beyond—compounding the problem
Why Raleigh Athletes Choose Smart Athlete Physiotherapy
We’re not your typical physical therapy clinic. Our providers have worked with athletes from the NHL, NFL, NBA, ATP, WTA, MLB, and US Olympic Track and Field—and we bring that elite-level expertise to every patient in Raleigh.
- More than a few minutes of hands-on care—full one-on-one treatment sessions based on your goals, not insurance limitations
- Raleigh’s most experienced physiotherapists in treating athletes and overuse injuries causing neck pain
- Advanced techniques including dry needling, postural restoration, and manual therapy to treat the source of dysfunction
What Our Patients Say
Your Path to Neck Pain Relief: Simple, Personalized, Effective
Comprehensive Evaluation
We take time to understand your pain, assess movement patterns, and identify the root cause of your neck dysfunction—not just where it hurts
Customized Treatment Plan
Receive hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, postural restoration, and targeted exercises designed specifically for your goals and recovery timeline
Return Stronger
Get back to your sport, work, and life without compensation patterns or fear of re-injury—with strategies to prevent future problems
Neck Pain Conditions We Treat in Raleigh, NC
Our experienced physiotherapists specialize in treating:
- Cervical strain and muscle tension from athletic training or overuse
- Whiplash and post-accident neck injuries requiring rehabilitation
- Postural dysfunction causing chronic neck pain and stiffness
- Nerve-related neck pain, radiating symptoms, and cervical radiculopathy
Verified Google Reviews Slider
Trusted by Raleigh’s Athletes & Active Community
5-Star Rated with 109+ Google Reviews
"I had a bad tennis elbow problem which Jeff, through a series of therapies, including traditional physical therapy, dry needling, and shock wave therapy, bought about a rapid reduction in pain. He gave his full attention during every treatment visit."
"I've went here for multiple injuries, and Jeff has been fantastic. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and professional. I highly recommend getting therapy here."
"I've had a wonderful experience with CarolAnn. She takes the time to assess and address all issues with the proper treatment. I highly recommend her for any aches and pains that need assistance!"
Meet Raleigh's Most Experienced Sports Physiotherapy Team
Jeff Vajay, PT | Founder & Physiotherapist
Nearly two decades treating elite athletes from NHL, NFL, NBA, ATP, WTA, MLB and US Olympic Track and Field. Certified in functional dry needling and IASTM. Currently travels internationally with the ATP World Tour.
Michael Vita, DPT | Co-Founder & Physiotherapist
Electrophysiological Clinical Specialist with 19+ years in orthopedics. Postural Restoration Institute certified. Specializes in treating chronic pain and neuro-biomechanical dysfunction with a whole-body approach.
Jon Paryz, PT | Co-Owner & Physiotherapist
NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with expertise in sports medicine and manual therapy. Focuses on re-educating proper movement patterns. ATP Tour physiotherapist and running biomechanics specialist.
Emily Lusnia, DPT | Physiotherapist
Doctorate from University of Saint Augustine with heavy concentration in manual therapy. RYT200 Yoga Teacher and functional dry needling certified. Specializes in athletes, prenatal, and postpartum care.
CarolAnn Wiggs, DPT | Physiotherapist
10+ years in outpatient orthopedics with master dry needling certification. Specializes in lower extremity conditions, TMJ disorders, and postural dysfunctions. Wake Forest University graduate and Raleigh native.
Our Approach
Every provider at Smart Athlete Physiotherapy believes there’s an athlete within us all. We combine elite-level sports medicine expertise with personalized, hands-on care to help you move without compensation and pain.
Visit Our Raleigh Physical Therapy Clinic
Conveniently located near Starmount Shopping Center, just 0.5 miles from Wake Forest Road.
Email Contact via phone for scheduling
Phone (919) 424-6055
Office 2415 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC 27604 (Inside The Performance Hub)
Just 6 minutes from Downtown Raleigh via Wake Forest Road and Atlantic Avenue. Pass by Raleigh Little Theatre and continue past Five Points area—we’re on your left at 2415 Atlantic Ave. Looking for physical therapy near me in Raleigh? We’re easily accessible from Tower Shopping Center and Mission Valley Shopping Center.
Neck Pain Physical Therapy FAQs
Get answers about our approach to treating neck pain
How is Smart Athlete Physiotherapy different from traditional physical therapy?
We provide full one-on-one treatment sessions without passing you off to aides. Your plan of care is determined by what you need to reach your goals—not insurance limitations. Our providers bring elite-level sports medicine expertise to every patient, treating the source of dysfunction rather than just symptoms.
How long does it take to see results for neck pain?
Many patients experience significant pain reduction within the first few visits. However, lasting recovery depends on the underlying cause, severity, and your body’s response to treatment. We create customized timelines based on your specific condition and goals during your comprehensive evaluation.
Do you accept insurance for neck pain physical therapy?
We work with most major insurance providers. More importantly, we don’t let insurance dictate your care. You’ll receive the hands-on treatment time and advanced techniques you need to fully recover, not what an insurance company approves for reimbursement. Contact us to verify your coverage.