【Neck and Shoulder Pain That Feels Like a Stiff Neck – How Massage Therapy Can Help】
- 田澤 大輔
- Oct 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Have you ever experienced such severe stiffness in your neck and shoulders that you couldn’t move at all, almost like waking up with a stiff neck?
This was the case for Ms. M, who had struggled with shoulder tension since high school. Carrying her school bag on one shoulder and practicing the violin with her chin pressed against the instrument gradually built up strain.
Later, long hours of computer work as an office worker made things worse. Her shoulder tension spread to her neck, until one day she found herself completely unable to turn her head.
When Ms. M first came to our clinic, she could only face forward, unable to rotate her head to either side. She described the sensation as if “her back was as hard as an iron plate” and “a thick metal pipe was stuck in her neck.”
Because she was hesitant about acupuncture, we focused mainly on massage therapy to ease her symptoms.
Releasing Muscle Tension
The neck and shoulders are especially vulnerable to stress and poor posture, which cause muscles to stiffen.
Massage helps loosen tight muscles and restore flexibility. I began by relaxing the overall muscle balance and then targeted the specific trigger points causing her stiffness.
Improving Circulation
Lymphatic massage enhances blood and fluid flow. Better circulation means oxygen and nutrients can reach the muscles more effectively, while waste products and fatigue-related toxins are cleared away.
Stimulating Deep Muscles with Shiatsu
Shiatsu, or finger pressure, applies gentle force to acupuncture points, reaching deeper muscle layers. This relieves tightness at its core while improving blood and lymphatic flow. Combined with massage techniques, it produces a powerful, synergistic effect.
Recovery Process
Initially, Ms. M had no range of motion at all. With treatments every three days, her mobility gradually improved. After some weeks, she shifted to weekly visits, and now she comes once a month for maintenance.
During our conversations, I discovered a key factor: her computer at work was positioned slightly to the side. Even a small 20-degree twist of the neck, repeated for hours every day, put a significant burden on her muscles. Over time, this constant strain led to her extreme stiffness.
Simple Posture Adjustments for Desk Work
Place your computer screen directly in front of you. If space is limited, turn your whole body instead of just your head.
Adjust your monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level. Use books or a stand to avoid looking up or down for long periods.
Final Thoughts
For anyone suffering from chronic neck and shoulder tension, regular massage can make a real difference. It helps relax muscles, improve circulation, ease stress, and prevent problems from returning.
Stress itself is a major contributor to muscle tension, so taking time to relax both body and mind through massage can be an important part of self-care.
When combined with better posture and mindful daily habits, massage therapy offers long-term relief and healthier movement.
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