Neck pain is something all of us deal with at some point in life. Studies have proven that massage therapy may help improve a wide variety of different types of neck and shoulder pain. In fact, it’s usually one of the first treatments that come to mind when people experience mild and severe neck pain.

Neck pain is very common. One of the main reasons people experience neck pain is due to bad posture. In fact, nearly 1 in every 5 sessions of massage in the US are booked in order to resolve neck-pain symptoms. If you’re looking to book a massage due to your neck pain, you have a few different options to get relief.

In this article, we’ll be exploring how massage can help with different types of neck pain. If you’re booking a massage to get relief from your neck pain on the Soothe massage app, please make sure you let us know that you’re wanting to get a massage because of your neck pain. You can get the Soothe app on Google Play or Apple.

When it comes to relieving pain in the neck, there’s two types of massage that come to mind over others:

• Deep Tissue Massage: This type of massage uses deep pressure to relieve neck pain.
• Swedish Massage: This massage uses gentle strokes to relieve pain in your neck.

While it’s possible to use other massage types to reduce pain in the neck, these two are the most commonly used.

Here’s the link to book your neck massage with Soothe.

1. Massage for pinched nerves in the neck

Pinched nerves are typically caused by pressure placed on the nerve by joints, muscles, or other structures. Muscle tension and inflammation may be the cause of this pressure. Nerve impingement in either the brachial plexus – located in the shoulder – or disc herniation in the cervical spine can both lead to nerve pain in both the neck and shoulder.

Massage therapy can be a great choice for relieving inflammation in the neck, back, and shoulders, this can help reduce both nerve pain and pressure in those areas.

2. Frozen neck and an appropriate massage treatment

If you have a stiff neck, you already know that it can be a nuisance. While it shouldn’t be time to panic, if your neck stiffness gets worse, you may need to see your doctor. This condition can lead to a sensation of the neck being “frozen” in place, this will limit your movement and significantly affect your normal routine.

The good news, massage is one of the best alternative medicine approaches for treating neck stiffness. Massage can help you improve the mobility of your both neck mobility, which can help you reduce neck pain.

3. Neck strains, sprains, and spasms

Massage of the neck itself may exacerbate symptoms at first, but gentle massage of the back, arms, chest, and legs can also reduce pain in the neck. This is why the Swedish massage is great for neck, back, and shoulder pain. Myofascial release and thorough massage of all the neck, face, jaw, head and throat muscles, this can promote full healing and restore the normal functions of these areas.

For those of you that are active athletes, the right sports massage may be able to help. Sports massage therapy is specifically designed for men and women that live active lifestyles. This massage type has many benefits, so it may be worth exploring if you’re dealing with a neck injury, soreness, or pain.

4. Swedish massage for neck pain

Swedish massage has the ability to lengthen and relax muscles and tissues, this is why it’s a great massage to go with if you’re suffering from neck and shoulder pain. This trial showed notable symptom improvements for neck pain patients receiving Swedish massage on a regular basis. It also stated that patients receiving Swedish massages were able to reduce their pain medication more than other participants who did not receive massage therapy.

Not sure what type of massage to get? Check out our guide on different types of massages and learn how each unique massage can help.

5. Massage for pinched nerves in the shoulder causing neck pain

Pinched nerves can be painful. Even worse, they can cause pain in different areas of your body. For example, a pinched nerve in your back can cause pain in your hips and legs. Due to this, nerve injuries can be difficult to find relief from.

Studies have shown that massage has a positive effect in reducing chronic shoulder pain. Problems from nerves in the shoulder girdle, this is usually coming from the large nerve bundle called the brachial plexus. When this happens, it can lead to pain in the neck, it makes you believe that the neck is the original point of the pain.

When you visit your massage therapist, make sure you’re open and transparent with them. Let them know exactly how you feel. This will help them track down the original source of your pain so that you can find relief, whether it’s coming from the neck, shoulder, or elsewhere. This will also ensure you have the best possible experience.

More massage resources

Soothe has a large library of helpful articles and resources. Be sure to visit the Soothe Help Center here. There, you can find answers to some of the most common massage questions we’re asked.

Here’s some additional links you may find useful.

Book a massage with Soothe

Don’t forget about out Q&A Library also, here you’ll find some of the most common massage questions asked.

The post Neck Pain: 5 Ways Massage Can Help appeared first on Soothe.

Massage is a great tool for relaxation, pain relief, easing muscle tension and more. Learn more about the common types of massage and their benefits.

What is massage therapy?

Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support overall wellness.

Types of massage therapy

There’s a wide variety of different types of massage therapy, massages come in many different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the offerings you might find on a massage therapy menu.

Swedish massage

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life, this massage may be able to bring relief. A Swedish massage is the classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish massage is typically a full-body massage that uses a soft, gentle touch. It’s a great choice for men and women that are brand new to massages. It can help calm your nervous system. Swedish massage is also a good avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional state of mind which can directly impact your muscles. One of the best massages for both mental and physical rejuvenation.

Deep tissue massage

Repeated activity can make your muscles get tight, you’ll see this a lot with athletes and any person that is active. However, you can get tight muscles from less active activities, this can include driving, sitting, or working on the computer. Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness, which then can provide pain relief. This massage is a good fit for people with general muscle tightness and chronic muscle pain.

Sports massage

While sports massages and deep tissue massages are similar in many ways, they also differ. A sports massage will often focus on the muscles that take a beating when you play sports or do another repetitive physical activity. Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person. A massage therapist with experience in sports massage can get in there to break up muscle tightness and address sports injuries.

Prenatal massage

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to a woman’s body, the added weight alone can cause foot pain, leg pain, hip pain, and lower back pain. Prenatal massages are great for helping moms-to-be relax and can help address the aches and pains of growing a baby. Prenatal massages are wonderful for taking pressure off the hips and can help with swelling in the feet and legs. And when mom is relaxed and feeling well, the baby benefits.

Trigger point massage

Trigger points, or knots in your neck and back, are caused by tiny muscle spasms or tight spots in the tissue. In a trigger-point massage, the therapist uses direct pressure to target those spots and improve blood flow to the areas so they can release. This type of massage can be helpful for people with chronic pain.

Lymphatic massage

Lymphatic fluid has a number of important functions, two important ones include maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products from the body. Lymphatic massage uses a soft touch that’ll help your lymphatic fluid move through the body easier. Lymphatic massage is a great option for people with inflammation and arthritis. It can also be beneficial to people who have had mastectomies, which usually involves the removal of lymph nodes.

Myofascial release

The fascia refers to a web of connective tissue under the skin, it supports the muscles and allows a person to move freely. With a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia, this is done to work out tightness and tension. This specific massage type is considered to be a form of deep stretching and is often used together with other therapeutic massage techniques. Myofascial release are good for reducing tightness in your back, neck, and shoulders.

Hot stone massage

A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body. If a person is experiencing muscle tightness and pain, insomnia, soreness, or stress, you may want to consider trying a hot stone massage. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.

Health benefits of massage

As we learn more about massage therapy and continue to run studies, we’re learning that massage has many benefits. Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but it has been noted to help people that suffer from conditions that include cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, inflammation, and fibromyalgia. Before you get your massage, be sure you talk to your massage therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. You should also consult with your doctor to ensure a massage will be safe for you.

Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.

Reduces stress and anxiety

That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety and stress.

Reduce pain, muscle tension and tightness

Many studies have been published that show massage may help reduce pain that includes acute back pain, neck pain, headaches and knee pain. While those results will favor that the relief is short-term, other cases receiving multiple 60-minute massage sessions a few times a week showed longer-term relief.

Improves sleep

Massage has the ability to decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body, it can also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, these are known neurotransmitters that can stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive heart failure.

Improved blood circulation

Does massage help improve your blood circulation? A 2020 study found that a five minute manual leg massage could significantly increase circulation not only in the affected limb, but in the surrounding areas as well. A 2010 study came to a similar conclusion. Researchers measured the mean skin temperature of 17 healthy volunteers who underwent a 20 minute neck and shoulder massage session. In most cases, the increase in blood flow in the treated and adjacent areas has persisted long after the treatment was finished. 

Improves immune function

Is it possible to boost your immune system with massage? This study suggested that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, this specific type of blood cells is what attacks bad viruses in your body so you can heal and get better.

Improve energy

Studies have proven that massage therapy is good for you – we do know that it can reduce our fatigue. While massage does not directly increase energy, it helps reduce fatigue and may decrease symptoms that take our energy away, this can result in you feeling better. Studies have taught us that massage therapy can increase circulation, reduce pain and stress, improve our sleep quality and help with our immunity – all of these make us feel better, more energized and less fatigued.

Constipation relief

For anyone that has been dealing with constipation after surgery, this study showed that an abdominal massage may help you with bowel movements. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States. Approximately 16 out of every 100 American adults experience symptoms caused by constipation.

Regular massages can relieve constipation by helping you release gas and waste products. They may also help treat any underlying or accompanying conditions. For example, regular massage can reduce stress and in turn reduce pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Reduce fibromyalgia symptoms

When it comes to improving mood, sleep, and memory, these studies have shown that using massage regularly for over 5 weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, this is a chronic illness that causes muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue. This study saw similar results – it shown massage therapy can be effective in easing pain for people who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Relieving cancer pain

For men and women that are taking cancer treatments, the physical, mental, and emotional toll is unprecedented. No words can describe what they’re feeling. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life.

There’s been a fair amount of studies that have been performed to see if massage can help reduce cancer pain. While some of these studies have suggested that massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain – others have shown a positive impact.

Who should try massage therapy?

A lot of you reading this article can benefit from massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain, ease stress, and much more. If you do have a medical issue, please make sure you check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist.

For any of you that are pregnant, prenatal massages are safe. In fact, they can be healthy for you and the baby. We still recommend consulting with your treating doctor to ensure massage will be safe for you prior to booking a prenatal massage.

If you do have any questions about massage therapy that weren’t answered here, please be sure to check out our Help Center.

Not sure what type of massage is right for you? No worries, you don’t need find the perfect massage prior to booking an appointment. Many massage therapists specialize in using multiple massage techniques to address your unique concerns. This is why it’s important to tell your massage therapist exactly how you feel, that way they can treat your specific conditions and you can experience a great beneficial massage therapy session.

The different types of massage aren’t exclusive from one another. A massage therapist uses a combination of techniques to help you relax, get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.

Try a massage with Soothe

Did you know that the Soothe Network of massage therapists are professionally licensed? It’s true, all Soothe massage therapists are required to have a license prior to joining. This ensures you’re going to get a certified therapists for your massage therapy.

And since you can book your massage right at home, you’re just a few clicks away from a professional massage at home! Here’s the link to book your massage.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Massage Therapy appeared first on Soothe.

A couples massage gives the two of you an opportunity to experience massage together in the same area as one massage therapist works on each person. It’s also an opportunity to turn this into a romantic evening that can leave you starry-eyed, setting the treatment in a special room or suite large enough for two, beachside underneath the stars, or in the couple’s guest room at a hotel or resort. 

With Soothe, you can add a special touch to your couples massage therapy experience. With your couples massage, you can add enhancements that include hot stone massage, CBD massage oils, or percussive therapy. 

You can also book your massage at hotels, this gives you an opportunity to find a hotel that has spa fixtures such as fireplaces, shower facilities, Jacuzzis, and dual soaking tubs. 

While it’s the perfect chance for you to spend some quality time with your partner, remember, a couples massage isn’t just for romantics. Mother-daughter duos and best friends may also enjoy side-by-side services. For couples, this form of massage can offer a double dose of benefits. The tandem treatment invites couples to get a bit closer and reconnect, and it can enhance intimacy and teach each partner how to take care of the other.

Common questions about couples massages

If you have questions about booking a couples massage, the section below will help as we share answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about couples massage therapy.

What is a couples massage?

A couples massage is a joint experience that involves two people who each get a soothing massage from a therapist. The massages are given at the same time in the same private room, but in separate massage beds (one for each person). Both massages are started simultaneously by the therapists and managed so that both partners receive a similar shared experience.

Getting a couples massage is an increasingly popular way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, birthdays, anniversaries, and other holidays. While you can book your massage weeks ahead in advance, you can get a same-day booking for a couples massage from Soothe, in as little as an hour in advance. 

Feel free to download the Soothe App to get started.

What to wear to a couples massage?

Depending on the type of massage you’re receiving, clothing etiquette may vary. In most cases, arriving in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes is a suitable option. Make sure to remove any jewelry or additional layers prior to your couple’s massage. To avoid any confusion, we suggest speaking with a spa representative prior to your couples massage to determine the best clothing option for you and your partner.

Where to get a couples massage?

Thanks to massage services like Soothe, you can get a couples massage in over 70+ different cities throughout the world. You can see the different locations Soothe operates within here. 

The most common places to receive a couple’s massage are the famous SPAs; this place of relaxation offers different elements and techniques to make the massage an unforgettable experience.

While there’s nothing wrong with planning a trip to a spa, with Soothe, you can have a spa day at home or at a hotel. We definitely recommend creating a spa-like environment to enhance your experience. You can add music, candles, rose petals, and any other items that may heighten the mood.

How much to tip for a couples massage?

You’re not required to tip for your couples massage. If you choose to do so, that’s fine, there’s no set limit to what you can tip. Generally speaking, most recommend 10-20 percent.

What to expect at a couples massage?

Once the massage therapists arrive at your location, they will greet you and take you to a private room where two massage tables will be set up. Some may offer more than one type of couples massage, from the most relaxing to the most energetic, so be sure to discuss that with your massage therapists prior to getting started.

If you have different ideas about what you would like to achieve with the massage, that’s no problem. During a couple’s session, both of you will receive treatments tailored to your specific needs, just as if it were an individual massage, so don’t worry because it’s not a “one size fits all” massage. Simply let the massage therapist know what you want and they’ll be able to take care of every need you have. We’d recommend thinking about it prior to your massage, that way at the least, you have an idea of what you want to do.

There are no rules of etiquette in a couple’s massage. You may want to take the opportunity to catch up with the other person, or you may prefer to take a light snooze. On the other hand, if you have an excellent romance with your partner, you might like to have the massage hand in hand. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, the ideal is that you have it clear before lying on the table.

What types of benefits should I expect from a couples massage?

There’s a wide range of benefits you can receive from massage in general, many additional benefits as it pertains to couples massage therapy. 

• Reconnect with a partner – This massage can help you reconnect with your partner. Many couples are busy with life, work, children, and everything in between. Planning for a massage to spend some quality time together is a great idea to share some much needed time together.
• Releases feel good hormones – Massages allow you to release hormones related to feeling good, such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. These are mood-regulating substances and removing them simultaneously is the magic formula for love: that is why it is said that couple massages promote the desire for affection and intimacy.
• Reduce pain and stress – Massage allows the body to release hormones related to feeling good, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These are mood-enhancing substances and getting them removed simultaneously is the magic formula for love: that is why it is said that couple massages promote the desire for affection and intimacy.
• Lowering heart rate and blood pressure – Massage can help you lower your heart rate and blood pressure, allowing you to feel a sense of relaxation and calm.
• Improve circulation, energy and alertness – Massage is also well known for increasing blood flow and circulation, as well as giving you energy and making you alert.

The benefits of couple massages can also be emotional. First, couples’ massages may help the two of you reconnect since there is a shared experience to focus on the here and now. Usually, many couples have conflicts with their schedules, this is usually one of the big obstacles they encounter to spend moments together. 

If you and your partner can use some “personal” time together, we’d highly recommend it. If the two of you can request a day together, this could be a highlight of that experience.

How much is a couples massage?

A couple’s massage involves the use of different techniques depending on the objective of the massage. Treatments can be aimed at physical relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, or correction of body posture. 

With Soothe, you can choose a 60, 90, and 120-minute massage. A couples massage can cost anywhere between $60-$200 depending on the specific location and duration of your massage. Check out this link to learn which cities Soothe offers massages in.

So why choose a couples massage?

Is a couples massage worth the effort? We like to think so “very much,” but here are a few reasons why you should consider it. 

The Experience: We only get one life, so live your life and make the most of it. This is a special opportunity for you to leave a lasting impression on your partner or friend. These experiences matter, make the most of it and make it the best experience possible.

Unwinding and Relaxation: We all need time to get away from the daily routine of life, here’s a chance for you and your partner to do just that. A massage is a great way to unwind and relax, a chance for you to get pampered. No stress here, take it easy and enjoy it!

Something New: If you’ve never had a professional couples massage or any type of massage, it will be a new experience and that’s exciting. You’ll have a chance to get all the benefits of the massage, but you’ll also be making memories in the same process. 

Great Gift: A couples massage makes for an amazing gift to your partner. Life is busy, you’re busy, we stay so occupied with everything going on. Think about it, how long has it been since you and your partner took some time for you? If it has been a long time, you should consider giving it a try.

In fact, you may want to consider gifting a Soothe Gift Card to someone special. 

Create an amazing couples massage experience at home

There are a few things you can do to enhance your massage experience and make it rememberable.

We want your mobile massage therapy experience to be the very best it can. There are a few things you can do to enhance your at-home massage experience and make it memorable. 

Get food and drink delivered

A massage is a great way to relax, relieve stress, and, in a couples massage, build a closer bond. If you’re going to be at home, consider having some delicious treats and beverages ready. If you’re booking a couples massage in a hotel, consider having it delivered. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or a birthday, think about incorporating some of your favorite drinks and food. 

Should you eat or drink prior to a massage? During? Most massage therapists recommend you indulge in the food and drinks after your massage, especially when it comes to the drinks.

Choosing the right space

We’d recommend choosing a private room that has an open space for both the massage tables and space so the therapists can move around. Massage therapists from the Soothe Network will bring tables and massage supplies unless you have them at home. An open area with 10×12 ft space should do the job.

Getting comfortable

As you will likely have less clothing and garments during your massage, if you have control over the room heat, you may wish to raise the temperature a few degrees. Prior to your massage, test the heat to make sure it’s a comfortable temperature for you both. 

While you’re more than welcome to wear anything you wish, we recommend wearing something comfortable, such as a soft robe or soft clothing. The last thing you want to do is fight with your clothing.

Set the right mood

Most of you are going to have your eyes closed for most of the massage, however, lights can be a problem. If you have overhead lights and you can turn them off, you may want to do that prior to your massage. You’ll want the lighting to be comfortable and relaxing, which includes windows and doors as well. You can always add candles to your lighting if it gets too dark.

Some massage therapists will bring their own music to the massage, but you have the option of playing your own music. Music can set the tone, so think about your options prior to the therapist arriving.

Another thing that can set the right mood is scents. Vanilla and lavender are known to be relaxing scents. If you have a scented candle or diffuser, you may want to include them with your massage.

Ready to book your couples massage?

We hope you’ve found this guide on couples massage therapy helpful and insightful. 

A couples massage is a great way to reconnect or build the bond you have with your partner. On the other hand, it’s also great for friends, mothers, grandmothers, and daughters, even the guys too. 

If you have additional questions, be sure to check out our Help Center or Q&A section. 

If you’re ready to book your couples massage, please click here.

You can also reach us through our online contact form. 

The post Couples Massage: What It Is, Benefits, And What To Expect appeared first on Soothe.