trapped nerve

hello everybody, just need a little advice here, im still studying holistic massage, not qualified for another 4 weeks, now a friend of mine has just called, has a trapped nerve in her neck, but feels a constant ache in her left arm, her physio apparently has suggested exercise rather than anything else., she thinks the cause is from constant lifting of paint cans , she works at johnstones..
now the thing is can i treat her with massage , and will it help ?, do i need to avoid the neck and or arm area, seein that shes in much pain anyway ?
thanks for your help in advance !:)