Massage therapy

I have booked an appt for a 30 minute session with a massage therapist this Thursday because my neck/shoulder/back muscles are so tight and tense it hurts.

Does anyone get a massage as a usual thing? I'm trying to justify the cost of getting one twice a month if it seems to help - I've got to do something with my muscles.

A couple years ago my neck seized up and I only had about 20% mobility in my neck. I couldn't even physically turn my head in the car to see if someone was in my blind spot because the muscles were so tight. I started going to physical therapy where they did massage and ultrasound therapy, but none of it really ended up working on me. I started drinking more water, and dropped sodas/sugary drinks, and that did seem to help a little. I also bought one of those funky pillows with the bump on the top and bottom with the dip in the middle, which I still use and has made my sleep much better.

Miraculously, when I moved back home and away from a person who was causing me infinite amounts of stress in my daily life, the neck pain disappeared. Completely.

Do you think your neck problems could be brought on by stress?

PS: I'm not in any way trying to debunk massage as a form of treatment, it just didn't work for me in my case since mine was caused by stress

It is mostly stress - my muscles are so tight in my shoulders that it hurts. Not much I can do about the stress at the moment. But I start Jazzercise this week so hopefully the exercise and getting out of the house will be a good outlet for some of the stress.

I think I'm just trying to justify getting the massage. 

It is mostly stress - my muscles are so tight in my shoulders that it hurts. Not much I can do about the stress at the moment. But I start Jazzercise this week so hopefully the exercise and getting out of the house will be a good outlet for some of the stress.

I think I'm just trying to justify getting the massage. 

Heehee... You should still definitely get the massage! It did make it feel better, but it wasn't a long term thing for me. Maybe it can be a form of destressing for you? I agree though, exercise and getting out of the house will probably do you some good!

i get a massage every month.  i have a stressful job- and my neck & jaw was starting to really suffer.  i found a good tough massuse with reasonable rates and i can justify 30 pounds a month- so much better for my sanity than a new pair of jeans!  go for it-

I've gone through phases of having regular massages, but have always decided it was silly spending. But then I've regretted it and started up again. I definitely think it's a good thing - physically and mentally.

Im a massage therapist actually So I may be biased

Heres the thing... a relaxation massage aint gonna do squat for you. You need to make sure you find a therapist that does therapeutic bodywork. And make sure they work on the front of your neck. Just because the muscle that is crying out hurts does not mean that that is where the restrictions lie. Pick a good therapist and you will see results, I gurantee it. And yes massage every 2 weeks would be good for you until the pain ceases, or goes down to a controllable level. It just depends on how long the massage holds for you. A good monthly massage is good body maintenance

Kalest