Tense shoulders is a common problem. It can significantly impact on quality of life, causing discomfort, restricted mobility, headaches and increased chance of injury. Massage for tense shoulders can be effective in addressing both the causes and symptoms of the problem.
What is the best massage for tense shoulders?
Initially, deep tissue massage will be helpful in breaking down knots and loosening up the muscle fibres. After several deep tissue sessions, a more gentle and relaxing approach will help to maintain the muscles in a relaxed state and address underlying stress and anxiety issues. At this point, you could choose to have hot stones for an enjoyable and relaxing massage or maybe add a relaxing face massage.
Prices
Deep tissue back & shoulder massage 45 minutes £33
Hot stones back & shoulder massage 45 minutes £38
Book a massage for tense shoulders
What is causing your tense shoulders?
There are many reasons why you might have tension in your shoulder muscles:
- Bad posture and poor movement patterns
- Repetitive movements
- Previous injury
- Being in the same position for long periods each day
- Stress and anxiety
- Frequent lifting and carrying, especially if this is asymmetrical, for example a bag on one shoulder or a child supported by one arm
- Sport and fitness activities
Anatomical reasons the shoulders are prone to tension
The shoulders are structurally complex. They are a meeting point for several major muscle groups, which stabilize the neck, upper spine, and arms. This means that the shoulders are involved in so many everyday actions—typing, carrying, reaching, lifting—they rarely get complete rest. Modern lifestyle posture makes this worse. Long hours at desks, on phones, or behind the wheel often lead to rounded shoulders and a forward head position. This forces the muscles around the neck and upper back to remain contracted for long periods. Over time, this constant low-grade contraction becomes habitual tension.
Emotional reasons the shoulders are prone to tension
The nervous system plays a big role in shoulder tightness. When the brain perceives stress, the body activates the “fight-or-flight” response. The heart beats faster, breathing quickens and muscles instinctively tense in preparation for action. The shoulders and neck are particularly affected by this reaction. Hunching or raising the shoulders is an ancient protective reflex to shield the head and vital organs. Even when there is no physical threat, psychological stress can trigger the same muscular tightening. If stress is frequent or prolonged, the shoulders never fully return to a relaxed state.
How massage can help
Massage for tense shoulders helps in various ways:
- Increases blood flow: Gentle kneading and stroking warm up the muscles, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to promote healing.
- Breaks down adhesions: Massage breaks down the muscle adhesions or “knots”, loosening the fibres and easing restriction.
- Reduces pain: Improved circulation and reduced muscle tension naturally decrease pain perception.
- Promotes relaxation: Massage encourages overall relaxation, further reducing muscle tension, as well as easing stress and anxiety, which are often the cause of tense shoulders.
Book a massage for tense shoulders
To book a massage for tense shoulders, fill out the booking enquiry form below. You can see my working hours and upcoming availability here. If you want to know availability further ahead than what is shown, let me know on the form when you would be interested in booking for and I’ll get back to you.
Body Benefits Massage Therapy Chelmsford
1 Albra Mead
Chelmer Village
Chelmsford
CM2 6YG
Distance/time from nearby places
Central Chelmsford: 3.6 miles / 9 minutes see map
Beaulieu Park: 1.6 miles/5 minutes see map
Witham: 7.6 miles / 12 minutes see map
Danbury 6.3 miles / 11 minutes see map
Galleywood 4.5 miles / 10 minutes see map