Neck & Shoulder Massage Techniques Video
Easing Neck & Shoulder Tension with Shoulder Massage
If you suffer from muscle tension or stress, neck and shoulder massage therapy is an important tool to help you relax muscles and relieve that stress. If you sit at a desk for long periods, you can also relieve neck and shoulder tension with a few stretches. Doing some stretches at least once an hour will help prevent stiffness.
Try using various combinations of the following massage techniques ...
1.) Start with comfortable seated posture
Inhale and reach your arms overhead. Hold your right wrist with your left hand and exhale as you bend your torso gently to the left, pulling on your right arm so you feel a stretch all the way down your right side. Move your head to the left so it follows the line of your spine.
Hold for three breaths, return your arms overhead, and then stretch on the opposite side. This stretch loosens your shoulders and opens your rib cage for easier breathing.
2.) Again start with good seated posture.
Drop your chin forward a few inches, about halfway to your chest. Turn your chin toward your right shoulder until you start to feel a stretch. Do not lift your chin, but keep it pointed down toward your chest. Reach up over your head with your right arm, placing your right palm on the left back crown of your head. Still keeping your chin lowered, push until you feel a stretch in the left side of your neck and your upper left shoulder.
Hold for three to five breaths. Return to the starting position. Repeat on the left side.
3.) Stand up facing your desk.
Grip the edge of the desk with your hands, keeping them shoulder-width apart and your thumbs hanging down. Take several steps back until your spine is parallel to the floor. Breathe softly then push into the desk with your hands, and drop your head between your arms.
Hold this stretch for three breaths, then release and stand up as you inhale. This stretches your shoulders and upper back muscles.
