Massage Therapy for Upper Back Pain

Whether you have always experienced back pain or if you have recently noticed aches and pain in your upper back, it can be overwhelming just to get through everyday tasks without the distraction. Getting rid of back pain is not always a simple objective, especially if you have underlying health problems or issues that are contributing to the pain itself.

However, one remedy that can relieve some of the pain and tenseness you feel within your upper back is massage for pain relief techniques.

Using massage therapy for upper back pain can greatly reduce the amount of tension you have in your back and the pain it causes. Knowing the benefits of massage therapy and how to get a therapist to work on your back can get you on the right path to a much happier, pain-free life.

Types of Massage Therapy

There are many different types of massage therapy options depending on the pain you are experiencing as well as the central location of the pain itself. Trigger point therapy is known to find tight areas of muscles that cause tension and sharp pains throughout the body. Using trigger point therapy is ideal if you are looking to alleviate pain with isolated pressure and release techniques on the muscles themselves.

A deep tissue massage is another common form of massage therapy, providing a massage to the deepest layer of the muscle under the skin. The masseuse targets the knots within the muscles, helping to release any sharp pains or chronic pain you experience. You can also find a masseuse that is willing to work on specific areas of your body depending on where you are feeling the pain radiate from throughout your body. If you are feeling sharp pains in one of your shoulders, both, your neck or throughout your upper back, be sure to tell your masseuse to get the massage you need in order to find relief.

Working with the Neck and Shoulders

Placing your fingertips where your neck and shoulders intersect is the first step to finding pressure points and giving yourself a bit of relief with an upper back massage. Once you feel the base of your neck, move anywhere from 4 to 6 inches outward and down to determine where the pain is being triggered from and whether you have any tender muscles. Pressing down on the tender spots slowly and moving your fingers helps to relieve the pain while loosening up the muscle altogether. Repeat the process over any tender muscles that you are capable of reaching, especially near the neck. Oftentimes, neck muscles can become cramped and filled with tension if you are sleeping improperly or if you keep your head at an angle each day during work.

Rubbing tender spots near the neck and upper back often is a way to keep your muscles loose and without tension, reducing the amount of pain you experience each day. If you cannot locate the tender spots on your neck or back, working together with a professional may be the right option for you.

Hiring a Massage Therapist

One option to get the help you need for your upper back is to work together with a licensed massage therapist. A massage specialist who works with the upper back can pinpoint trouble areas and knows how to locate muscles that may be strained throughout your shoulders, neck and the upper section of your back. Working together with a massage therapist who understands upper back pain is a way to find relief without worrying that you may cause more pain by not understanding the locations of the back's muscles or joints yourself.

Why Hire a Massage Therapist?

Hiring a massage therapist is ideal when you have upper back pain because they are trained in pinpointing trouble areas without causing you additional pain. Those who have been trained in massage therapy are also knowledgeable of various techniques that can help to give you the relief you need based on the type of pain you describe to them. Additionally, massage therapy provided by someone else is extremely relaxing, giving you time to unwind while the pain is released from your body.

Getting the relief you need for everyday upper back pain can make a world of difference when you are working, celebrating a night on the town or even spending time with loved ones. Living with upper back pain can ultimately cause depression and stress, especially if it increases to the point where it leads to becoming immobile. Getting the help you need with a therapist who specializes in upper back massages can help you feel free and ready to take on new challenges rather than being trapped in your own body.

Eugene Wood
Massage Therapist
NYC Massage