Benefits of a Shoulder and Neck Massage
What is a neck and shoulder massage, and when should you get one? Today we'll discuss all the essential benefits of a massage, how to recognize that you need one, and the best ways to practice self-massage without splurging a fortune. There is no doubt that massages can improve your quality of life, all you need is to read this article carefully and start getting them at home, whenever you want.
What Is a Neck and Shoulder Massage?
Although there are many massage techniques and therapists, getting a shoulder and neck massage generally means working on the same muscles to relieve pain, treat stiffness, tiredness, soreness, and much more. Whether you do it yourself, get a professional treatment, or use a massager, massage therapy for your neck and shoulders includes treating the shoulder muscle (deltoid muscle), trapezius muscle, and various muscles on the neck. But remember, every massage is individual, so the therapists might also work on other muscles if needed.
Keep in mind that not every massage therapist will perform the same type of massage, so you should get familiar with the different types and what you should expect. For example, the Swedish massage is one of the most common and includes long strokes and sometimes kneading motions to relax your tense muscles, help you deal with pain and other issues.
A deep tissue massage includes more intense pressure targeting deep, connective tissue to relax the muscles and is ideal for chronic neck pain. On the other hand, a soft tissue massage applies gentle pressure to relieve muscle tension.
One of the best things about massage therapy is that it's already available in your home without having to visit a professional or pay for expensive treatments. Self-massage is an excellent way to get rid of muscular tension, relieve anxiety, deal with pain, etc. All you have to do is use a circular motion to target the painful areas in your neck and shoulders and apply firm pressure while repeating the motion for three to five minutes in every area.
If this sounds like a lot of hassle, you can get a handheld massager and use it as a part of your daily routine to fight occasional or persistent neck pain. In addition, you can upgrade your massage treatment with an electric shiatsu neck and back massager or shiatsu back pillow and let it do all the work instead of you. This is very much like having a professional massage therapist at home, and it will help you learn about the surprising effectiveness of massage therapy only after a few days of use.
What Are the Signs You Need a Neck Massage?
What are the signs that you need a massage, and when should you consider getting a massager? First, there are a few telltale symptoms that you have to listen to if you want to deal with the problems naturally, without pills or prescriptions.
Shoulder and Neck Pain
Shoulder pain and neck pain might not always come together, but they are symptoms you need therapy. It doesn't matter if it's a pain that appears occasionally or chronic pain; you have to
Tight Muscles
A shoulder massager or gun massager can save you from tight muscles that feel like all the weight is on your shoulders. On the other hand, if you always feel sore, tired, and heavy, you probably need a good massage.
Headaches
Frequent headaches and migraines can result from strained or tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Surprising Benefits of a Neck and Shoulder Massage
In this section, you'll get familiar with the many benefits of massage therapy and learn how it can help you deal with various health conditions. Getting over-the-counter painkillers and pills to treat your issues is always an option; however, you can't do it forever. Massage is one of the most effective treatments that you can try at home, without spending a whole fortune and having to be
Deals with Sore Muscles
Soreness, tightness, tiredness of the shoulder and neck muscles are part of the issues massage targets. Although this might not be the most surprising benefit, it's one we have to mention. The massaging motions boost the blood flow in the area, deliver more oxygen and help with tissue inflammation. This is how your sore muscles will feel much better after a session with your favorite massager.
Helps with Muscle Pain
Whether it's an occasional or chronic condition, muscle pain can make your life much harder. One of the best ways to deal with frequent pain is through massage sessions. You can massage neck and shoulders to improve blood flow, which will help you deal with inflammation faster, and promote faster healing.
Helps with High Blood Pressure
Neck and shoulder massages can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Since this form of therapy has a relaxing and anti-stress effect, you'll feel much calmer and like you're floating. In addition, massage stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals that make you feel good and promote a great mood.
Helps with Poor Blood Circulation
Getting a neck massager with heat can help you target poor blood circulation and get rid of muscle spasms. The massaging motions combined with the heat vasodilate the blood vessels so that more blood can arrive in the affected areas. This speeds up the recovery process, boosts circulation and fights inflammation.
Improves the Immune System
Did you know that getting a device with massaging neck and shoulder functions can boost your immune system? Aside from regulating your blood pressure, heart rate, and circulation, massages will also stimulate the work of your lymphatic system. In other words, this helps your immune system get rid of the toxic ingredients much faster and deal with intruders much better.
Increased Range of Motion
Athletes and people in recovery from injuries and surgery get massages to increase the range of motion of their muscles.
Helps with Headaches and Migraines
Since massage promotes a better blood flow and deals with pain, your headaches and migraines will become rarer and even go away.
Conclusion
Should you get a neck and shoulder massage? After reading all these benefits and signs, you probably know that a massage can only do you good. So it doesn't matter if you'll opt for a manual massager, schedule a session with a professional, or get an electric massager. Either way, you'll be much happier and healthier.
