Why Neck & Shoulder Massages Work

Massage therapy works in a number of ways to decrease pain. Firstly, by activating the pain-gating system. Nerves are like a one-way street, they can only pass one message at a time. This means that during a massage, the large nerve fibres in the skin are activated, switching off the transmission of pain messages.

The second mechanism is the activation of the Relaxation Response, which is the body's ability to decrease the psycho-physiological response of stress. The Relaxation Response helps to create calm, helps the body to rest and decreases blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormone output and muscular tension. This calming of the central nervous system results in a decrease in the sensitisation of the pain receptors, which decreases the sensation of pain.

Thirdly, when muscles are in a state of spasm, which often occurs with any pain, the connective tissue within the muscle becomes taut. It's then subjected to decreased circulation and decreased nutrients, becoming hyperirritable. This often creates myofascial trigger points (muscle knots). These myofascial trigger points become a secondary source of pain. Myofascial release (trigger point massage) involves manual pressure of the trigger point with prolonged stretching to break up these fascial adhesions, increase circulation and increase the flexibility of the muscle. Importantly, it also causes a release of endogenous opiates – your body's natural pain killers.

Massage doesn't just feel good, it helps to decrease your pain, improves your relaxation and decreases your stress response. A good massage leaves you feeling happy and like you're walking on a cloud.