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The Weight of the World
Neck and shoulder problems are among the most common complaints presented for massage therapists to
address. It’s really no surprise when you look at this area of your body.
The most obvious condition we all tend to experience is stress—that carrying “the weight of the world” on our
shoulders. This tension we assign to our neck and shoulders may be a big part of the problem, but there are other
things to consider.
Functionally, both your neck and shoulder should be extremely flexible. In order to accomplish these ranges of
motion, your body’s musculature in this region is appropriately complex. You only need to compare the mechanical
functions of your elbow and that of your neck or shoulder to appreciate the difference in complexity.
Also found in this region of the body are two major groupings of nerves that affect the head and upper torso. When
tight muscles, etc. impinge on these nerves, it can lead to headaches; breathing difficulties; and/or neck, shoulder,
chest, arm, wrist or hand pain.
In other words, sometimes the area where you feel the pain may not be the actual source of the pain. For example,
a tightness at the base of your skull may be affecting nerve flow that you feel as a headache or as pain in your
shoulder or upper arm. The good news is that massage can alleviate these referred pains by addressing the source
of the problem. And many of these points are located in the neck and shoulder area.
Other things that may be causing you problems include sleeping in an awkward position, sitting too long at your
work station, cradling the phone with your neck, or carrying a heavy bag or suitcase, to name a few. Be aware of
these types of activities to try to lessen the likelihood of future problems.
Those who spend their days working at their desks or computers may find that their working position has led them
to develop the habit of shallow breathing. Instead of proper breathing from the diaphragm, breathing is now
accomplished through the neck and shoulder muscles. This can lead to chronic pain and muscle tension in the
area, and the true cause—the shallow breathing—is easily overlooked.
Receiving your regular massage sessions is a great way to reduce or eliminate neck and shoulder complaints.
Massage can relax the tension in your muscles and other soft tissues, help to increase range of motion, restore
flexibility, and increase the nerve flow through the area. Leave the weight of the world behind for awhile and unwind
a little!
© 2006 Massage Marketing. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Q: Sure, massage feels good, but why should I get a regular massage?
A: The benefits of massage are more than the fact that it simply feels good! Did you know that massage boosts
your immune system, increases flexibility, relieves stress and has many other benefits as well? Recent studies have
shown that flexible muscles are stronger overall!
Q: But it's so expensive! How can I afford it?
A: Massage may seem expensive but, can you afford not to? Getting a regular massage can help prevent all kinds
of major illnesses like cancer, depression and heart disease. Can you afford to get sick? Stress has been shown
to be a factor in every major illness. Massage, along with following your doctors advice about healthy lifestyle
choices, can greatly benefit your health over the long term.
Neck and shoulder problems are among the most common complaints presented for massage therapists to
address. It’s really no surprise when you look at this area of your body.
The most obvious condition we all tend to experience is stress—that carrying “the weight of the world” on our
shoulders. This tension we assign to our neck and shoulders may be a big part of the problem, but there are other
things to consider.
Functionally, both your neck and shoulder should be extremely flexible. In order to accomplish these ranges of
motion, your body’s musculature in this region is appropriately complex. You only need to compare the mechanical
functions of your elbow and that of your neck or shoulder to appreciate the difference in complexity.
Also found in this region of the body are two major groupings of nerves that affect the head and upper torso. When
tight muscles, etc. impinge on these nerves, it can lead to headaches; breathing difficulties; and/or neck, shoulder,
chest, arm, wrist or hand pain.
In other words, sometimes the area where you feel the pain may not be the actual source of the pain. For example,
a tightness at the base of your skull may be affecting nerve flow that you feel as a headache or as pain in your
shoulder or upper arm. The good news is that massage can alleviate these referred pains by addressing the source
of the problem. And many of these points are located in the neck and shoulder area.
Other things that may be causing you problems include sleeping in an awkward position, sitting too long at your
work station, cradling the phone with your neck, or carrying a heavy bag or suitcase, to name a few. Be aware of
these types of activities to try to lessen the likelihood of future problems.
Those who spend their days working at their desks or computers may find that their working position has led them
to develop the habit of shallow breathing. Instead of proper breathing from the diaphragm, breathing is now
accomplished through the neck and shoulder muscles. This can lead to chronic pain and muscle tension in the
area, and the true cause—the shallow breathing—is easily overlooked.
Receiving your regular massage sessions is a great way to reduce or eliminate neck and shoulder complaints.
Massage can relax the tension in your muscles and other soft tissues, help to increase range of motion, restore
flexibility, and increase the nerve flow through the area. Leave the weight of the world behind for awhile and unwind
a little!
© 2006 Massage Marketing. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Q: Sure, massage feels good, but why should I get a regular massage?
A: The benefits of massage are more than the fact that it simply feels good! Did you know that massage boosts
your immune system, increases flexibility, relieves stress and has many other benefits as well? Recent studies have
shown that flexible muscles are stronger overall!
Q: But it's so expensive! How can I afford it?
A: Massage may seem expensive but, can you afford not to? Getting a regular massage can help prevent all kinds
of major illnesses like cancer, depression and heart disease. Can you afford to get sick? Stress has been shown
to be a factor in every major illness. Massage, along with following your doctors advice about healthy lifestyle
choices, can greatly benefit your health over the long term.
