Neck and shoulder discomfort may involve tightness, restricted movement, headaches or symptoms that travel into the arm. Because similar symptoms can have different sources, the same massage approach is not appropriate for everyone.
Muscular tension through the neck, shoulders and base of the skull may contribute to certain headaches or occur alongside a migraine episode. Massage may help ease associated muscular tension, but it does not diagnose or treat migraine.
Frozen shoulder involves pain and stiffness within the shoulder joint capsule. Massage cannot correct the underlying condition, but it may help address surrounding muscular tension and support comfort alongside appropriate medical or physical therapy care.
Pain, tingling or numbness traveling into the shoulder, arm or hand may involve irritation of a nerve in the neck or another condition. Massage therapists do not diagnose the source, and pressure and positioning should be adapted carefully.
Massage therapists do not diagnose the cause of neck, shoulder or arm symptoms. Numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of coordination or worsening pain should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider, especially when symptoms follow an injury or travel into the arm or hand. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden weakness or numbness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, chest pain, trouble breathing or a sudden severe headache.
Massage may help ease muscular tension, improve comfortable movement and reduce the feeling of stiffness through the neck, shoulders and upper back. Your therapist can adjust the pressure, techniques and areas of focus based on what you are experiencing that day.
Extra time can be spent on areas such as the upper trapezius, shoulder blades, base of the skull and surrounding muscles where tension is most noticeable.
Neck and shoulder discomfort can involve the upper back, chest, arms and surrounding tissues, so your therapist may work beyond the exact spot where you feel tension.
Techniques, pressure and positioning can be adjusted for concerns such as postural tension, repetitive-use strain, restricted-feeling movement or headache-related muscular tension.
Depending on your comfort, goals and selected therapist, your session may incorporate one or more massage techniques to address tension through the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Slower, focused pressure may be used to address deeper layers of muscular tension.
Concentrated pressure may be applied to sensitive areas that contribute to tightness or referred discomfort.
Silicone cups may be incorporated to create gentle tissue lift and support comfortable movement.
Specialized tools may be used to work with areas of restricted or tight soft tissue.
Techniques and add-ons vary by therapist and are incorporated according to professional judgment, client preference and individual needs.
PERSONALIZED CARE STARTS HERE
Choose the therapist, session length and appointment time that best fit your needs. Your session can then be personalized around your comfort, preferences and areas of tension.