How To Give A Good Neck Pain Massage

Knowing how to give a good neck massage for pain can easily make you the greatest friend, partner, or spouse. As a general rule, never offer a massage on a conditional basis or with the expectation of anything in return as this will take away from the relaxation and could increase the massage recipient’s stress levels.

1. Eliminate distractions that could or usually occur in the general area. This should include turning cell phones to silent, not vibrate, reducing the ringer on house or salon telephones, keeping dogs from barking and keeping children quiet, if in the general vicinity.
2. Provide background noise that is soothing and that can reduce the effect of sudden unexpected noises. Soft instrumental music, soft classical music, nature sounds, a table-top fountain, and other similar tools can help set the right relaxing atmosphere.
3. Apply a hot towel or heating pad to the massage recipient’s neck for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps loosen up and relax the muscles so they are ready for a massage.
4. Using a small amount of light massage oil, lotion, or a pre-tested analgesic, warm the product by rubbing between your hands for a minute. Begin by gently applying the product to the neck area to help keep from causing friction burns from the skin to skin contact and pressure.
5. Now begin applying very light pressure from the base of the neck, working up to the hairline and back down. Move from one section of the neck at a time, almost working in rows. This keeps the pressure from being applied too greatly in one spot for too long, and helps push and work tension out of the tense neck muscles as the neck massage progresses.
6. Apply gradually increased pressure, checking from time to time to ensure the pressure is comfortable for the recipient. Fingers (and thumbs) are capable of applying a lot of pressure without realizing it, so increase pressure gradually over time until the pressure is about the max for comfort based on feedback from the massage recipient.
7. Slowly reduce pressure while continuing to work the neck muscles in massage until the pressure is reduced to barely anything. This gradual increase and gradual decrease can be compared to warming up and cooling down before and after exercise.