Got Neck Pain? Types of Massages That Can Help

Usually caused by something simple, like hunching over your computer, neck pain is a common problem in the United States. In fact, neck pain is one of the most common chronic muscular disorders adults deal with in the U.S, according to the National Institute of Health.

While there are many ways to ease neck pain, massage therapy is one of the most reliable methods to reduce tension and prevent it from coming back.

Whether it's chronic or acute, here are three types of massages that can alleviate neck pain.

Trigger Point

Trigger point therapy, , can be beneficial to treat neck pain.

Trigger point therapy taps into the body’s internal web of muscles and tissues to unlock chronic and injury-related pains caused by tension and stress. Since continuous movement, such as looking down at a computer daily, can create irritated tissue in the neck. When the muscles stay in a contracted state for an extended period, they can harden and form small nodules that massage therapists can feel during trigger point therapy. The trigger point therapy can ease pain and tension while increasing range of motion of the neck.

Integrative Reflexology

Reflexology applies pressure to specific points of the feet, hands and ears with specific techniques using the thumb and fingers. Integrative Reflexology® blends methods of reflexology with massage techniques for a more enjoyable experience.

Since certain sections of the feet may correlate with the neck, your massage therapist can work with your feet to release pain and tension before moving to the neck for more traditional massage techniques. A certified Integrative Reflexology® massage therapist can properly stimulate the proprioceptors on the bottom of the feet to help increase stimulation of nerve endings, helping to calm the body.

Deep Tissue Massage

Traditionally designed to apply pressure to layers of muscle, tendons and other tissues deep under the skin, deep tissue massage can be beneficial in relieving problem areas and is highly therapeutic. Deep tissue massage is generally a modality to consider for athletes as well as the 9-to-5 desk job. Muscles easily become tense and deep tissue massage can relieve some chronic patterns of pain and tension, specifically in the back, shoulder and neck areas.

Along with relieving neck pain, receiving regular monthly massages can help keep your joints limber and relaxed. It also improves your posture, flexibility and range of motion, which can help prevent any future neck issues.