Chronic neck pain that persists causes numerous challenges that can interfere with daily routines, interrupt sleep patterns, range of motion, and concentration at work or physical activity.
In most cases, neck pain or stiffness only lasts a few days, but many people suffer from chronic pain that can be debilitating if left unchecked. However, massage therapy can minimize the effects by increasing blood circulation, loosening muscles and tendons to promote improved wellbeing.
According to PubMed, “Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 27.0 per 1000 population in 2019. This literature review describes the global epidemiology and trends associated with neck pain, before exploring the psychological and biological risk factors associated with the initiation and progression of neck pain.”
Common massage techniques to reduce neck pain include the following:
Thai massage: The technique of a Thai massage uses long slow gentle strokes with a kneading motion to relax muscles, thereby combating stress. When someone suffers from chronic neck pain, they unconsciously contract their neck muscles, increasing tension, which in return heightens pain. In some cases, the muscle tension can migrate into the shoulders and back. A Valley of Vitality recommends a Thai massage every two to three weeks, to reduce pain, which increases circulation.
Vitality Restoration Therapy (VRT): A customized 60-minute modality targets blockages in the fascial system and works deep down in the connective tissue to remove restrictions thereby, relaxing and rehydrating those tissues. Over time, this can support a life of vitality and living a happy active lifestyle. Muscle knots can trigger significant pain, especially in the neck area. Hyperirritable spots are tight lumps of muscle known as knots. By adding trigger point therapy, it involves pressure in those sensitive areas that alleviate pain.
An article in Cleveland Clinic suggests, “Trigger points are painful “knots” in your muscles that can be sensitive to touch/pressure. They may form after acute trauma or repetitive micro-trauma, leading to stress on muscle fibers. It causes the muscle fibers to be stuck in a contracted state. Sometimes you can feel these knots when you rub your muscle.”
Connective Tissue: A connective tissue massage refers to myofascial – web like tissue that covers every muscle fiber in the body. Through manual pressure and kneading, the movement will ease tension. One form of massage that can be especially helpful is cupping, because it separates the fascia from the skin and muscle, which can prevent our muscles from moving freely.
Hot Stone Massage: Some massage treatments include smooth flat heated stones. In general, heat relaxes muscle tissue, providing softness of the skin and, of course, muscle tension. By improving blood flow, it can ease tension and reduce pain. A few other health conditions can benefit from hot stone massage, such as cancer, burns, psoriasis, eczema, or acne. However, please consult a physician before massage treatment.
Reflexology: Reflexology is a science based on the principle that reflexes in the hands and feet correspond to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. When, the specific reflex points are properly worked by a trained Certified Reflexologist, the corresponding body part receives benefits. The feet are a mirror image of the entire body.
Assisted Stretch Therapy: Any form of repetitive movements can cause muscle tightening, leading to chronic neck pain, especially in athletes. Assisted Stretch performed by a skilled therapist will focus on lengthening the muscle across the joints to enhance proper movement.
In closing, chronic neck pain can be overcome by scheduling regular massage therapy sessions. At A Valley of Vitality, we offer several types of treatment to help our clients return to the highest state of wellness possible. At A Valley of Vitality, we offer several types of treatment to help our clients return to the highest state of wellness possible. Schedule your next session by calling 928-442-6026 or request an appointment by visiting our website
Recent Comments