Neck Massage Technique

Don't have a massage therapist?  Not to worry...

A self neck massage technique may be what you need.

Massage therapy and pain relief - you've probably heard the term many times. Well, it applies also to your neck, and you may find a self neck massage to be one of the best stiff neck remedies you've found!

Tension can easily build up, causing a stiff neck and shoulder pain. At your desk, at home, in the car, or wherever you are experiencing a stiff neck it's easy to treat with an easy neck massage technique, provided your stiff neck cause is not related to a medical condition.

Before you begin your own neck pain massage therapy, try as best you can to relax. Relaxed neck muscles will respond much better.

How to relax? Try sitting quietly and slowly lowering your chin towards your chest. Breathe evenly and see if you can start to release some of your tension. Or, do a few simple neck stretching exercises.

Then, try some of these techniques...

Without digging your fingertips into your neck muscles...

• Gently squeeze and knead your shoulders firmly. Do this for around a minute and then switch to the other shoulder.

• Put your right hand behind your neck, gently squeezing your neck muscles. As you do so, move your shoulders up in the direction of your ears, hold for a few seconds and then relax. Take the right hand away and do this with the left one.


• Clasp your hands tightly and place them on the back of your neck, pressing forward. Hold for several seconds, release and then do the same several more times.


• With one hand at a time, gently and firmly rub the back of your neck in circular motions on each side of your spine. Begin at the base of your neck and work up toward your skull.


• Wrap tennis balls (that's right, tennis balls!) in a tube sock and either roll them gently along stiff neck and shoulder muscles or lie on them for several minutes.

If you are at home, a great addition to any neck massage technique is to add oil, a self heating oil, if you can find one.

Still need help relaxing those muscles? If you've never used a moist heat pack before, you must try one! They're great for all kinds of aches and pains. On many occasions I've relieved muscle spasms and "cured" my lower back pains, within just 20 minutes of applying the moist heat. End of sales pitch! They really are great and have spared me a number of trips to the chiropractor, that's why I'm such a big fan of them.

If you're frequently looking for some stiff neck pain relief, keep your self neck massage technique in mind and use it often. It's free, it's easy, and can go anywhere!