Massage therapy options for neck pain

When it comes to physical injury, pain, and even chronic pain, the neck is one of the most common sources. This can be caused by a wide range of different factors including poor posture, injury, or stress. Whatever the cause, a neck that is stiff or painful to move can have a significant impact on your daily activities, and can be very limiting. To resolve this, there are a number of different treatment options, including soft tissue therapies. So what are the most effective massage therapy options for neck pain? And which choice would be most effective for your neck pain problem?  

So what are the most effective massage therapy options for neck pain?

There are a number of different and effective massage therapy options that can be perfect for treating neck pain, including neck stiffness and chronic pain. These options include:

• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy
• Acupuncture

Myofascial Release (MFR) for neck pain

One of the most commonly chosen of the massage therapy options for neck pain is Myofascial Release (MFR). Neck pain can often be caused by tight or restricted fascia, which is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This tightness can have a significant impact on movement, as well as causing pain and discomfort. MFR can be the perfect treatment option for this type of issue. This is a type of soft tissue therapy that focuses on reducing tension and loosening the fascia. For neck pain, this will be focused on the cervical spine, shoulders, and upper back. 

Here at Core Holistic, our trained professionals deliver MFR. This involves applying sustained pressure to the right areas, using hands, elbows or knuckles to stretch and elongate the fascia. This can loosen restrictions, improve mobility, and improve overall muscle flexibility. This also has the benefit of reducing pain and discomfort, especially when the neck pain is caused by postural issues, injury, stress or chronic pain. For chronic pain in particular, MFR can help to address the underlying tightness, resolving the issue at the source. For this reason, for people with whiplash, fibromyalgia, or tension headaches linked to neck strain, MFR is often recommended.

Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) for neck pain

Another effective option for addressing neck pain is Trigger Point Therapy (TPT). This is a treatment option that focuses on identifying and releasing tight areas that feel like small knots. These are known as “trigger points”, as they are hyper-irritable, and can cause pain referral to other areas. This means that a trigger point in the upper back or shoulders could be the cause of your neck pain. Trigger points often form due to muscle overuse, poor posture, or injury, making them a common source of neck discomfort.

Here at Core Holistic, you can count on our team to deliver effective TRT. We will identify and locate the trigger points, and use our hands or the right tools, to address these trigger points by applying pressure, and stretching the tissue. This helps to increase blood flow to the area, reduces muscle tension, and can bring pain relief. For neck pain in particular, our experts will focus on muscles such as the trapezius, levator scapulae, or sternocleidomastoid. These are frequently involved in neck tension and pain, and releasing trigger points here can be very effective. For people who are experiencing tension headaches, neck stiffness, or pain that feels like it’s radiating from deeper muscular sources, TRT is the perfect choice. 

Acupuncture for neck pain

Finally, acupuncture is another effective treatment option for neck pain. This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These are known as acupuncture points, and this treatment can help promote the natural healing processes of the body, releasing endorphins and improving circulation, which helps to relieve pain and tension. For neck pain in particular, this treatment can help reduce muscle tension, and modulate pain signals in the nervous system, helping to improve neck pain and discomfort. 

If you are experiencing neck pain that is caused by chronic tension, stress, or inflammatory conditions like arthritis, acupuncture can be an effective solution. While some people experience immediate relief after a session, others may require multiple treatments for the effects to build up

For more information or for personalised advice about our range of soft tissue therapies, why not get in touch today to find out more? Here at Core Holistic, we are Preston’s leading soft tissue therapy experts.