massage of neck and shoulders

Dear Jane,

Hi Jane Guiseppe is right - doesn;t take much to create quite a lot of pain in this area. As he says, work transversly across erector spinae but also go up into the occipital area and back of the skull to free up all the flat muscle facia there. then work on the levator scapulaie, stripping from clavicle to occiput - this can be much easier if person is in the recovery position - work on one side at a time obviously. You will probably find some trigger points there - TP release is a REALLY useful tool so book a day asap! When lying prone you can gently stretch the neck, turn head to one side and work on scalenes and sternocliedomastoid. there are also lots of good yoga breathing exercises which will help relax the neck- take too long to describe but will check correct names with my class teacher tomorrow and let you know. good luck.

Hi Jane, Adding to the good advice already posted, be sure to check the pectorals as well as they often contribute to upper body issues. Also, a muscle imbalance involves not just tight muscles but also weak ones, so gentle strengthening exercises would often be indicated. This is obviously just very general advice, hard to be specific without seeing an individual client. Good luck! Nicki