Do you have a pain in the neck?

Posted on 14/10/2019

We all experience pain at different times in our life.  Whether it’s from a splinter, broken leg or having a baby, pain varies from person to person, with our tolerance levels varying.

Pain can be acute or chronic.  Acute pain comes and goes relatively quickly, although can last up to 6 months.  This type of pain can be sharp and severe.  Chronic pain lasts so much longer, possibly even a lifetime.  Sometimes we know what causes pain, for instance, as a result of surgery or a traumatic event. Other people suffer chronic pain and don’t know why it exists, perhaps in the case of pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

At Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage we see many people who are suffering from pain, in different forms.  The most common pain we come across results from bad posture, sitting for long periods and as a result of stress.

Tight and tired muscles can make us feel the following:

• fatigue
• nauseous
• pain from headaches
• pain in the ears
• pain in the jaw
• muscle cramps
• twitching
• localised pain

We also know that chronic pain can lead to mental fatigue and anguish.  In fact, a  study in 2004* concluded that people who experience chronic pain are much more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

We know that exercise can be so helpful to help banish some of these symptoms.  It’s not always easy to exercise though when we are tired and are muscles are fatigues.  Muscle fatigue can also result in shortness of breath, making exercise feel like a real challenge. Alternatives to typical exercise are yoga or massage.  Both of these aid the stretching of muscles, the intake of greater levels of oxygen and the expulsion of waste products.

Until you have received a good, clinical-style massage, you may find it difficult to understand how massage can really help you to reduce your pain or discomfort.  Staff at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage make each treatment bespoke to you. We understand that the one routine suits all people might be good for general relaxation but won’t tick the boxes in terms of helping you to feel better.

We offer several different types of massage, in Cheltenham, to suit your preferences and needs:

• Hot stone massage – Lovely instant heat. Massage with heat, that travels to lower layers of muscle. Tends to suit people who dislike the tender feeling on muscles when they are being worked on by a physical therapist.
• Aromatherapy massage – A mixture of movements, with various pressure, depending on your stated preference. Essential oils are chosen, blended and massaged into the body. The oils are selected, according to their therapeutic properties.
• Swedish Massage – This is the typical massage that is most commonly offered.  Movements can be firm, although this will be adapted to your needs. A lighter massage, with an increase in long stroking movements can be offered. These techniques are also adapted for deep tissue massage.
• Indian Head Massage – Seated or laying down – Massage that focuses on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp, arms and face.

If you would like to see if massage can be helpful to you, chat with us by calling Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage on 01242 255440.

*Gatchel, R. J. Comorbidity of chronic pain and mental health disorders: The biopsychosocial perspective. American Psychologist, 59 (8), 795-805.