Pointers for Neck + Shoulder Care between Massage Appointments
People with neck and shoulder issues often have their pain return before their next massage appointment. Work, play and children all make demands on the body. A dull ache can quickly turn into a burning pain especially while folding laundry, doing yard work, playing on the computer or any of the other million things you do.
What can you do between professional massage appointments to take the edge off neck and shoulder pain? Here are some ideas...
Take a Break
Take short breaks as often as you can if you sit at a computer all day. Move your shoulders around and stretch. Ideally you can get up and move around a bit. I would love to show you more ways to take a quick work break and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Schedule your next session now!
Get the kids into it
Have a short yoga break together! There are plenty of videos made especially for kids, and the moves are just as beneficial for adults. Here's a simple start, check out this link for some yummy co-stretching inspiration at Kids Yoga Stories.
Heat it
Just 10-15 minutes of heat on your shoulders can make a huge difference in how your tissue moves and feels. You don't necessarily need a heating pad or warm bottle though, instead use water. 'Hydrotherapy' is a wonderful source for pain treatment right at home. Whether immersive (soak) or jetted (shower or hot tub), there's many benefits to reap from this precious resource. Read and learn more about medicinal water therapies here.
Self-massage
Try it, you might be surprised how much it helps! It's not complicated, just grab a tennis ball or a rubber ball and check out these techniques on youtube. Studio Harbor offers cork balls available for purchase.
Choose the right pillow
Often overlooked, but incredibly important. Your pillow! You spend about a third of your time in bed, be sure it's cozy for your neck and changed up periodically. Side-sleepers have different needs than belly or back sleepers. The right pillow at night can help you all day.
A few minutes of self care every day, little changes, can make a huge difference in how you feel. See you at your next appointment!
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