The weight of everyday physical strain, nonstop scrolling, and poor posture can lead to inevitable neck pain. In fact, this issue is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders globally. So, how can you break free from this looming condition? A neck massage is an excellent alternative.
A neck massage is a targeted massage that helps alleviate neck pain. Learn more about how this massage is beneficial to you!
What is a Neck Massage?
A neck massage refers to a massage method focusing on the neck and shoulder area. This massage therapy is common among athletes whose necks are involved in their games, such as hockey or football. Other common victims are people with bad posture during sleep or sitting.
Some muscles this massage targets are the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and scalenes.
What Techniques Are Used in a Neck Massage?
A massage therapist can perform various massage techniques, from acupressure to skin rolling. Check out what each technique offers!
Acupressure
Acupressure is a manual therapy technique that involves pressing specific points on the body. It’s commonly used for post-injury pain relief and to alleviate tight muscles. By targeting these trigger points, acupressure promotes relief and relaxation, interrupting pain signals and encouraging deep well-being.
This technique helps increase capillarisation and cellular exchange. Also, it decreases tension and pain and improves recovery.
Skin Rolling
Circumstances like post-surgery, post-injury, scarring, and relaxation are suitable for skin rolling treatment. This technique releases muscular knots in the soft tissues by using the thumb and fingers to pull the skin away from the tissue and then roll forward in a constant motion.
The benefits? You’ll feel increasing flexibilities, improved healing, and scar tissue breakdown.
Skin rolling treatment is common for body parts other than the neck, such as the calf, shoulder, arm, lower back, and upper back.
Mobilisations
Mobilisation techniques in massage therapy target joints and soft tissues to reduce tension and enhance mobility. They involve applying pressure to specific areas—bones for joint mobilisation and muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia for soft tissue mobilisation. These techniques effectively improve movement and strengthen muscles and are beneficial for various conditions.
Just like the skin rolling technique, this technique targets not only the neck but also other body parts from the calf to the upper back.
Benefits of Neck Massage
Various benefits come with neck massage, including:
Migraine Pain
Research found the prevalence of neck pain in migraine patients is 12 times more prevalent than in those with no headache controls. This condition leads to the recommendation of having regular neck massages to reduce the amount of neck and migraine pain.
Stress Relief
While a full body massage is good for relaxation and stress relief, neck massage can be a great alternative, too, as neck and shoulder tension are sometimes inevitable. A regular neck massage session can help release tension and, eventually, lower stress levels.
Better Sleep
As this massage help with stress relief and migraine pain, they also impact sleep behaviour. You will be easier to fall and be restful due to relaxed muscles and fewer headaches.
Strong Immune System
Neck massages and the immune system may sound far connected. However, as massage chair rollers start at the neck and shoulders, the health benefits begin there and work their way down your back.
This massage helps flush toxins and reduces stress, and studies suggest that regular massages increase white blood cells and lymphocytes—essential for fighting infections and illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is it recommended to get a neck massage?
Getting a neck massage 2-3 times weekly for 60 minutes is recommended.
What are some signs that a neck massage might be particularly beneficial for me?
Some signs are neck pain, stiffness, headaches, back pain, soreness, sleep issues, blood circulation issues, and muscle fatigue.
Are there any risks related to neck massage, and what should I watch out for?
When performed wrongly, neck massages can cause further issues, like fatigue, headache, nerve and blood vessel injuries, redness, bruises, and increased muscle tension.
Conclusion
A neck massage is an excellent solution for those experiencing neck pain, aiming for relaxation and tension release. If you’re down for the ultimate massage sessions, visit Chada Thai Massage and get the best massage experience you’ve ever received!