CRANIOCERVICAL INSTABILITY BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION & MANAGEMENT

Craniocervical Instability (CCI) is a highly sensitive condition with broad symptom expression - often including headaches, neck pain, dizziness, cognitive fatigue, and positional intolerance. It is commonly mismanaged because the neck is treated like a standard musculoskeletal issue when it requires precision, conservative loading, and close attention to symptom behaviour.

This service exists to provide safe, biomechanics-driven cervical rehabilitation, aligned with specialist input when indicated.

Who this service is for:

Suspected or confirmed CCI
EDS/hypermobility patients with persistent upper cervical symptoms
Post-operative cervical fusion/complex cervical surgery patients
Head/neck symptoms triggered by posture, upright time, or movement
People who worsen with standard neck strengthening or manual therapy

What makes this different:

Safety-first assessment with red-flag screening and conservative loading
Focus on motor control and endurance, not aggressive strengthening
Emphasis on symptom thresholds and positional tolerance
Clear boundaries around what is appropriate vs risky
Alignment with specialist guidance where CCI is confirmed/suspected

What to expect:

Detailed symptom mapping (posture, upright time, provocation positions)
Conservative cranio-cervical motor control assessment
Deep cervical stabiliser testing and endurance measures
Upper vs lower cervical dissociation analysis
Progression plan: control → endurance → integration into life activities
Education and pacing strategies (especially for symptom volatility)

Functional outcomes:

Improved head/neck control and postural tolerance
Reduced symptom provocation with daily activities
Improved tolerance to sitting, driving, screen work, and upright tasks
Safer return to exercise and daily function
Improved confidence through predictable progression

How this integrates with specialist care:

Where clinically indicated: coordination with neurosurgeon for imaging interpretation, thresholds, and safety parameters
Rehab aligns with medical advice (especially post-op or high-risk cases)
Shared communication reduces contradictory messages and unsafe progression

Who leads your care:

Led by Vincent Fu, with integrated collaboration with the neurosurgeon when required. If autonomic symptoms, dizziness, or psychological load are significant, we coordinate with appropriate specialists to support whole-patient capacity.

Our philosophy:

CCI rehab must be precise, conservative, and consistent. We prioritise safety and function over speed. The aim is to help you regain control of your life without repeatedly provoking your system.