Neck and Shoulder Massage:
What’s included in a neck and shoulder sports massage?
11/06/2024 by Brandon Booty
(Approx 1-2 minute read)
Neck and Shoulders
Often known as ‘coathanger pain’, the neck and shoulders are the most common area for stress tension, desk workers, posture related pain and manual labourers to build up tension in the muscles.
In a world where stress is prevalent, it presents itself in a variety of ways - the most common of which being tension and tightness in the upper back and neck muscles.
The are many muscles in the upper back affected by stress, some of which include:
Trapezius - the muscle covering most of the upper back, not just the top of the shoulders.
Rhomboids - set of muscles between the shoulder blades.
Paraspinals - the muscle attached to and surrounding the spine responsible for moving and stabilising the spine.
Suboccipital muscles - the muscles in the back of the neck.
Now, why would I get a neck and shoulder massage?
Well, more often than not, stress in the shoulders can present in many ways; but 1 way in particular are 'knots'. These knots most people experience are a muscle spasm which causes the muscle to tense up. This is usually caused by a repetitive motion which, in turn irritates the muscle and cause the aching sensation you may feel for days or weeks after.
Having a neck and shoulder massage can help in reducing pain and tightness, improved circulation, leading to a reduction in headaches and migraines due to increased oxygen to the brain.
What does a neck and shoulder massage entail?
Deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage has an array of benefits from pain relief to better sleep.
Deep tissue massage or sports massage involves firstly warming the muscle up with gentle techniques, before gradually building the pressure up to work deeper through the muscles. Techniques can range from gliding techniques to the entire muscle, press and hold techniques to knots (known as trigger points), or mobilisations to the shoulder-blade to stimulate blood flow, relax tight muscles and knots and reduce your pain and tension.
There may be points where a deep tissue massage can be tender due to the pressure applied to get to those deeper muscles, but I assure you, it is worth it. It should not get to the point of pain or where your body is bracing. Some of the benefits you can experience from having a deep shoulder and neck massage are:
Pain relief - by using a firm pressure, you are really able to get into those tight or tense muscles around the neck and shoulders, causing them to ease off and relax.
Stress relief - having a massage can release a hormone called Oxytocin, which is also known as the love hormone as it is also released when the skin is stimulated by warm temperature and touch. But with the release of oxytocin, it helps in relaxing the body.
Healing - because massage promotes increased blood flow around the body, muscles are able to heal quicker from injuries and inflammation is reduced.
Better sleep - after a massage your body will release serotonin and dopamine, which are both hormones that promote better sleep.
The amount of pressure applied to the shoulders will not be the same compared to the neck muscles, as the neck muscles can be more tender. Your massage therapist will check in with you throughout the massage regarding the pressure being applied doesn't go above a 6-7/10, and how you are feeling to make sure you're okay.
To book your massage click here.
Our clinic is based in central South Woodham Ferrers, with free parking and is easily accessible from Maldon, Chelmsford, Wickford, Danbury, Rayleigh, Wickford, Latchingdon and Southminster.
