Objective To explore the clinical value of sling exercise therapy (SET) and massage in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods From January 2020 to July 2021, 100 patients with CSR were selected and divided into control group and observation group (both n=50). The patients in the control group were treated with massage, and the observation group was treated with massage+SET, the treatment results were compared. Results The total clinical effective rate of 94.00% in the observation group was significantly higher than 80.00% in the control group (P<0.05). The VAS pain scores of the two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment, and the VAS pain score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The peak torque (PT), average power (AP) and flexor peak force distance/extensor peak force distance (F/E) of the two groups were significantly improved after treatment, and the PT, AP and F/E indexes of the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the neck disability index (NDI) score and clinical assessment scale of cervical spondylosis (CASCS) score of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment, and the NDI score of the observation group was lower and the CASCS score was higher in the observation group. Conclusions SET+massage therapy for patients with CSR is helpful to adjust the coordination ability of cervical muscle group, reduce pain, improve clinical symptoms, promote the recovery of cervical function and achieve ideal therapeutic effect.