Do you suffer from neck pain? If so, you may be wondering if deep tissue massage can help. Studies have shown that massage can be an effective way to reduce neck pain and improve range of motion. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is used to treat chronic tense or painful muscles, posture problems, and repetitive exertion.
Fortunately, massage is one of the best alternative medicine methods for treating a stiff neck. Massage has been shown to improve neck mobility and reduce neck pain. With deep tissue therapy, a massage therapist can use the knuckles, elbows, hands and forearms to apply much deeper pressure than with a normal soft tissue massage. If you have a condition that affects your lower back or neck, it may be a good idea to ask your healthcare provider for their opinion on which massage technique is right for you.
Massage therapy is a proven way to improve many types of neck and shoulder pain and is often one of the first treatments people think of when they experience severe neck pain. The treatment sessions also evaluated range of motion and looked at how the patient's body compensated for neck pain, something the average person can't do, she said. Deep tissue therapy isn't for everyone; it can be an intense process that can leave some bruises as you reach deeper layers of tissue than a typical massage would. However, if stiffness becomes more extreme, it can cause a feeling that the neck is “frozen” in place, limiting movement and significantly affecting quality of life.
Compression of a nerve in the brachial plexus (located in the shoulder) or a herniated disc in the cervical spine can cause nerve pain in both the neck and shoulder. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 massage sessions in the U. S. Department of State is reserved for resolving the symptoms of neck pain.
In eight of the nine trials, massage was more effective than other interventions, such as exercise, relaxation therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy and manipulation. Even deep tissue massages shouldn't be painful, although you may feel more pressure than you're used to. This is a very common question, and the honest answer is that it can sometimes be uncomfortable because of the firm pressure placed on deep muscles. In these cases, it may be a good idea to work with a healthcare provider so that they can offer a treatment plan for long-term relief along with massage therapy. Your massage therapist will be able to help you locate the source of the pain so that you can find relief, whether it comes from the neck or shoulder.
There may be some level of physical discomfort during a deep tissue massage, as the masseur works on the deeper muscle layers. Overall, deep tissue massage has been found to be an effective way to reduce neck pain and improve range of motion when performed by a trained professional several times a week for several weeks. It is important to note that these results tend to be temporary and that deep tissue therapy isn't for everyone. If you are considering deep tissue massage for your neck pain, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider first.
