Do you experience neck and back discomfort? Massages could be the perfect solution for you! Here are 8 different massages for neck and middle back pain.
1. Swedish massage
The Swedish massage technique is an effective technique that eases neck and middle back pain. The long gliding and kneading movements promote blood flow toward the heart creating a relaxing feeling in the neck and middle back muscles.
The pressure applied during the kneading movements creates percussive movement that compresses and releases muscles relieving the tension and stiffness. This largely affects the neck muscles creating much comfort.
The movements during the massage also include circular or transverse movements using fingertips mainly thumbs usually in the middle back region. This removes the knots and tension in the specific areas.
Tapotement techniques such as cupping or hacking are also highly recommended in Swedish massage to increase blood circulation. The friction applied breaks down the adhesions and scar muscles.
The combination of these techniques helps in various forms to ease neck and back tension and pain. It is also a great way to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller thereby creating a feel of pain relief.
Both physical and psychological factors contribute to neck pain and tension. Stress is a major factor that causes pain. Massage also helps in controlling cortisol levels, thereby decreasing stress levels and promoting relaxation.
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2. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage helps relax muscle stiffness and pain. But contrary to other massages this massage technique helps in releasing pain from targeted areas and focuses on deeper layers. The techniques used primarily focus on easing chronic pain and also aid in creating lasting relief.
The main technique employed in deep tissue massage is stripping. Stripping involves applying deep gliding strokes with pressure. The friction applied also breaks the knots and adhesions in the muscles and tissues.
One of the major techniques appointed is trigger point therapy. This technique benefits by providing pain relief in specific areas. The therapists examine closely which tissue generates pain and focus on breaking the knots or adhesions created by that certain muscle tissue in the neck.
Myofascial release employed during the therapy release restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue. The massage may cause some soreness due to the intense pressure. The intense pressure helps the massage to be effective and work on deeper layers of tissue.
Neck and middle back pain is the result of poor posture or alignment issues. Deep tissue massage helps to release and lengthen tightened muscles, thereby improving posture The pressure applied during the massage helps to promote blood circulation.
3. Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese technique that mainly stimulates certain acupressure points to release pain and stiffness. The therapist applies pressure on regions that require pain relief. For neck and middle back pain relief, pressure is used on the shoulders, upper back, and neck regions.
The therapist uses thumbs, fingers, palms, and elbows to apply pressure. The therapists may also fuse stretches with the massage session to improve flexibility and mobility. They use fingers and thumbs to knead to release knots and tension.
The therapist focuses on the neck and back region and implements rotational movements to loosen up stiff joints and muscles due to stress and poor posture.
Another distinctive feature of shiatsu massage is the use of breathing exercises. Thus the session not only focuses on physical well-being but also emotional and mental stability of the client. The breathing exercise promotes the flow of energy and also gives a lasting relaxation effect.
4. Trigger point therapy
Trigger point therapy is mainly about massaging a specific area or breaking the knot or adhesion of muscle tissue that causes pain. Unlike other massages, the therapist addresses the area that produces pain and applies pressure on that region.
These specific areas that cause pain are known to be trigger points. The areas are applied with firm pressure, and at times the client feels discomfort. But the strong pressure is necessary for reaching the deep layers of muscle tissue and releasing the tension.
Trigger point therapy not only incorporates a single technique, but a variety of techniques. This includes the application of pressure and using stretching methods to release pain.
The therapist identifies the trigger point by enquiring about the pain history and mobility of the neck and back. The pain from the trigger points may sometimes spread to other parts such as the shoulders and arms. Therefore the therapist uses pressure in the trigger points and the surrounding regions.
The applied pressure eases the blood circulation to the muscles of the neck and middle back. Thereby reducing inflammation and promoting pain relief. This method helps to elongate the muscle fibers and improves mobility and posture.
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5. Myofascial release
Myofascial release is a technique employed by targeting certain fascial restrictions and adhesions. Fascia is a connective tissue largely around bones, muscles, and internal organs. These areas are more prone to tightness and tension.
Unlike other massage techniques, the myofascial release uses gentle pressure and often uses broad strokes for relaxation. The therapist focuses on releasing fascial restrictions around the areas of the neck and back.
The therapist may also incorporate rounds of stretching along with the application of pressure to retrieve mobility and release tension.
The session may begin as the therapist assesses the posture and movement patterns of the client. The therapist also looks into the diagnostic result to get the root of the pain. In some cases, hydrotherapy techniques are also used to get effective results.
The massage promotes long-term relief from pain. The alleviation of fascial restrictions also increases the range of mobility and flexibility of the neck. This also improves the posture which gives better alignment and provides support for the spine.
The techniques also promote blood circulation and give overall comfort to the client.
6. Thai massage
Thai massage is the adoption of traditional Thai medicine and energy works. The massage session incorporates a wide range of dynamic movements. Unlike other massages, Thai massage includes sessions that actively involve both the therapist and the client.
The massage includes rhythmic motions applied to the muscles. this elongates and relaxes the muscles of the neck and middle back thereby giving relief to the muscles and joints.
The therapist also makes the client do stretches that help in aiding the mobility and flexibility of the body. Acupressure is applied to the areas of pain and tension is given using fingers, thumbs, elbows, and even legs. This improves blood flow and provides overall relaxation to the client.
In certain cases of Thai massage, the therapists add herbal compression to elevate the effectiveness of the massage. The aromatic herbs are heated and are applied to the body. This promotes relaxation at much deeper levels.
7. Hot stone massage
Hotstone massage is varied from normal massages due to the adoption of heated basalt stones in the massage session. The warmth from stones exudes deep into the muscles and increases blood flow. This also creates lasting relaxation.
The stones are placed on the regions of the pain which include the back region as well as the areas of the shoulders including the neck. This decreases the stiffness and soreness of the muscles.
The heat also helps in the dilation of the blood vessels increasing the oxygen intake which promotes healing.
Hotstone Massages also implements other massages such as Swedish massage or deep tissue massage thus providing a mixture of benefits. The massage session not only mitigates the chronic back and neck pain but also aids with longer relaxation and a decrease in stress or cortisol levels.
8. Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy massage differs from other usual massages due to its application of essential oils during the session. The oils are customized for their therapeutic properties and specific needs.
The oils are diluted with other carrier oils like almond oil, jojoba oil, and peppermint oil. The therapists use various methods such as kneading, gentle strokes, and pressure to ease the pain in the areas.
The application of oil helps smooth movements and helps reduce friction, thereby decreasing the chances of inflammation on the skin. Using definite techniques, the therapists break the knots and adhesions in the muscle tissue and help to recover the pain.
The essential oil has also medical benefits that penetrate deeper into the tissues. That promotes deeper relaxation. The aroma inhaled during the therapeutic session also helps in elevating the mood and promoting calmness. The massage also helps to relieve stress.
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