Massage for Neck and Shoulder Tension in Ormond Beach

Neck and shoulder tension is one of the most common reasons people seek massage therapy.

Hours at a computer, looking down at a phone, driving, working with your hands, exercising, carrying children, and everyday stress can all leave the muscles around your neck and shoulders feeling tight and overworked.

Sometimes you notice it at the end of a long day. Other times, it feels like those muscles never completely relax.

Massage therapy can provide a targeted way to address those areas while also giving your body an opportunity to slow down and relax.

At New Journey Chiropractic in Ormond Beach, your massage is personalized based on where you’re experiencing tension, your preferred pressure, and what you’re hoping to get from your session.

Why Do the Neck and Shoulders Get So Tight?

Think about how much your neck and shoulders do throughout a normal day.

Your neck supports your head while your shoulders and upper back are involved in countless movements – from working at a computer to lifting groceries or carrying a child.

Muscle tension can also be influenced by repetitive activities and the positions we maintain for extended periods.

You may notice tension after:

• Spending hours at a desk or computer
• Looking down at your phone or tablet
• Driving for long periods
• Lifting or carrying children
• Exercising or playing sports
• Performing repetitive tasks at work
• Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
• A particularly busy or stressful week

Sometimes there isn’t one obvious reason. You simply notice that your shoulders feel tight or that you’re constantly wishing someone would work on that knot between your shoulder blades.

How Can Massage Help With Neck and Shoulder Tension?

Massage therapy allows your therapist to work directly with the muscles and soft tissues in the areas where you’re experiencing tension.

Instead of providing the exact same massage to everyone, your therapist can spend additional time working on the areas that need attention.

For neck and shoulder tension, that may include muscles around the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Upper back
• Shoulder blades
• Chest

The specific approach depends on what your therapist finds and what feels appropriate for you.

Do I Need Deep Tissue Massage?

Not necessarily.

It’s easy to assume that tight muscles automatically require the deepest possible pressure.

They don’t.

Deep tissue massage can be helpful for people who prefer more focused work, but pressure should always be appropriate for your body and comfort level.

Some people prefer firmer pressure around their shoulders while wanting lighter pressure elsewhere. Others respond better to a more moderate approach.

Your massage therapist can adjust techniques and pressure throughout your session.

The goal isn’t to tolerate the deepest massage possible.

The goal is to provide the right massage for you.

What About That “Knot” Between My Shoulder Blades?

This is an area we hear about frequently.

You might describe it as a knot, a tight spot, an ache, or an area you constantly feel the need to stretch.

Rather than focusing only on the exact spot where you feel the tension, your massage therapist may also work with surrounding muscles that contribute to how the area feels.

That’s one of the benefits of having your massage personalized instead of following an identical routine at every appointment.

Can Massage Help With Tension From Desk Work?

If you spend much of your day at a computer, your neck and shoulders may be doing more work than you realize.

Long periods in one position can leave muscles feeling tired and tense, especially when your workstation, chair, or screen position isn’t ideal for you.

Massage can address those overworked areas, but your daily habits matter too.

Changing positions throughout the day, taking movement breaks, adjusting your workspace, and paying attention to how long you’re spending in one position can all be helpful alongside massage therapy.

What About “Tech Neck”?

Phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices have changed how much time many of us spend looking downward.

You may have heard this referred to as “tech neck.”

While massage doesn’t change how you use your devices, it can be used to address muscle tension that you notice around your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

If this is something you experience regularly, it’s also worth looking at your everyday habits – not just what happens during your massage appointment.

Can Massage and Chiropractic Care Be Used Together?

Yes.

Some patients at New Journey Chiropractic choose to incorporate both massage therapy and chiropractic care into their wellness routine.

The two services have different areas of focus.

Massage therapy primarily works with muscles and other soft tissues.

Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and joints and their relationship with the nervous system.

For someone experiencing recurring neck and shoulder tension, having both services available in the same office can provide different approaches to caring for the body.

You do not have to be a chiropractic patient at New Journey Chiropractic to schedule massage therapy.

What Should I Tell My Massage Therapist?

Before your massage begins, tell your therapist what you’ve been noticing.

You don’t need to know the name of the muscle or explain exactly why it’s happening.

Simply tell them things such as:

“My shoulders always feel tight.”

“I have a spot between my shoulder blades that bothers me.”

“I sit at a computer all day.”

“My neck feels tense after work.”

“I carry my toddler on the same side all the time.”

Those details can help your massage therapist understand what’s happening in your everyday life and personalize the session accordingly.

You should also discuss your pressure preferences and communicate throughout your massage if you’d like the pressure adjusted.

What If My Neck or Shoulder Problem Is More Than Muscle Tension?

Not every neck or shoulder complaint is simply tight muscles.

If you’re experiencing significant or persistent pain, pain following an injury, numbness, tingling, weakness, or other concerning symptoms, massage may not be the appropriate first step.

Those symptoms should be properly evaluated.

Because New Journey Chiropractic also provides chiropractic care, we can help determine whether a chiropractic evaluation may be appropriate rather than simply assuming every neck or shoulder complaint needs a massage.

Looking for Massage for Neck and Shoulder Tension in Ormond Beach?

If your neck and shoulders constantly feel like they need attention, massage therapy may be a great addition to your wellness routine.

At New Journey Chiropractic, our massage therapists provide personalized massage therapy in Ormond Beach based on your goals, preferences, and areas of tension.

Whether you spend your days behind a computer, stay active, work a physically demanding job, carry little ones, or simply feel like you hold all of your tension in your shoulders, we’ll personalize your session around what you need.

Schedule a Massage