Shoulder tension is a common problem among office workers. It causes neck, shoulder, back, and arm pain. This pain often goes untreated because most people don’t realise how bad it really is.
There are many reasons why people get shoulder tension. Some people work with their arms above their heads, others slouch while sitting, and some even sleep poorly. But whatever the cause may be, massage therapy can help reduce shoulder tension and prevent future problems.
In this article we will cover what causes shoulder tension and why massage therapy is great for it.
What causes tense shoulders?
Have you ever had shoulder pain? If so, you probably understand the feeling of having tight muscles in your upper back, shoulders and neck. When you’re stressed, your body responds by holding onto stress and anxiety, causing tension in your shoulders.
There are several other reasons why your shoulder muscles might be holding onto tension. One reason could be poor posture.
When you sit at a desk all day long, your body naturally slumps forward, putting pressure on your back and neck. Try sitting upright to avoid this problem. Another common culprit is repetitive tasks. If you spend hours typing every day, you might be surprised to find that your shoulders feel tight and restrictive.
Your shoulder muscles are responsible for holding your head, neck, arms, hands steady while you type, go for run or play guitar. But over time, these muscles can become tight and tense, causing pain and discomfort.
Gentle stretching routine to help relax your shoulders
- To relieve stress and tension in your shoulder muscles, try doing gentle stretches. Start with your arm straight down along your side, then bend your elbow until it touches your ribs. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then repeat three times. Repeat the same stretch with your other arm.
- Try to relax your shoulders by taking deep breaths. Focus on relaxing each muscle group individually, starting with your chest, then moving to your upper back, and finally your shoulders. Once you feel relaxed, continue breathing deeply and slowly.
- It’s also helpful to learn how to properly warm up before exercising. Before heading to the gym, perform five minutes of light stretching exercises to loosen up your muscles. Then, follow with a few sets of push ups, squats, lunges, planks, or jumping jacks. These movements will help prepare your body for exercise and prevent injury.
When can a shoulder massage help?
Shoulder massage is a popular treatment for relieving shoulder pain. While it sounds pretty straightforward, there are several different types of shoulder massages available. Some focus on improving blood flow while others aim to relieve tension in the muscles. The massage therapists at Ana Harmony are on hand to suggest the best massage options for you.
There are two major massage techniques which are used for pain relief, especially in the neck, shoulders and back areas. Let’s take a closer look at them;
Swedish Massage:
Swedish massage is a type of bodywork therapy that involves gentle strokes and kneads applied to various parts of the body. It’s used primarily to relieve tension and stress, but it can also be used to treat other conditions including arthritis, back problems, migraines, and headaches. The techniques are effective for relieving muscle stiffness and improving circulation.
Both types of massage mentioned here are beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Swedish massage is especially useful for treating chronic pain, whereas wet massage is ideal for acute injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Deep tissue massages are sometimes confused with trigger point therapy, which involves similar techniques but focuses on points along the spine rather than individual muscles. Trigger points are knots of tightness that form in certain muscles and connective tissues. When triggered, these points create painful sensations that can radiate into surrounding muscles, causing widespread discomfort.
Deep tissue massagers use a variety of techniques to loosen and relax these tense spots. Some common methods include applying pressure with fingers, knuckles, elbows, forearms, wrists, palms, thumbs, and knees. Other techniques include rolling, tapping, vibrating, stretching, and shaking.
It’s also important to remember that no two shoulders are alike, so each person will experience relief differently depending on his or her anatomy. If you’ve got specific underlying issues with your back, neck or shoulders, its worth bringing it up with your massage therapist and doctors so they can give you the best advice for reducing your pain.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, shoulder tension is extremely common among athletes and office workers alike. Fortunately, massage therapy can help relieve shoulder pain and reduce muscle tension throughout the entire upper body. If you’d like to book a shoulder massage, you can give us a ring on 01628 298 040, use our book now button or pop in and visit us in the Ana Harmony salon in Maidenhead.
