I’ve got a pain in my neck. I don’t know if I’ve slept funny, carried something a bit too heavy or been sat in a draught. Whatever it is, at the base of neck and across the top of my shoulder is achy and tender.

I could take a couple of paracetamol or ibuprofen if it gets too bad, which would mask the pain. Or I could look to more natural ways of healing – like booking a massage as unfortunately I cannot really massage myself.

Can a massage really help?

The short answer is yes.

This is what Jo said “had a lovely aromatherapy massage with Victoria and she really worked into my shoulders & I felt a difference straight away.”

How does a massage work to reduce your pain in the neck (or shoulders)? 

Well, it’s got a lot to do with improving our circulation. When our muscles are tight or sore, blood flow can become constricted. Massage can reduce this tightening by increasing the temperature of the area being massaged. This increase in temperature allows the muscles to loosen and relax which allows blood to flow better and by doing this it delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.  Improved circulation helps with the removal of waste products which in turn helps to reduce inflammation. (Many modern painkilling medications work by blocking inflammation).

Tight muscles compress the nerves around them which can contribute to the pain you are feeling. Through massage, when the muscles are relaxed they are not pressing against the nerves anymore. Massage also releases endorphins which are nature’s pain killers so by default help to reduce the painful feelings.

So the next time that achy shoulder or pain in the neck is bothering you, why don’t you give me a call to check availability and see how I can help you.