Tense shoulders is a common problem. It can significantly impact on quality of life, causing discomfort, restricted mobility, headaches and increased chance of injury. The two main cause of shoulder tension are desk/screen work and stress, but there are various other possible causes too (see below). Massage for tense shoulders loosens up existing restrictions as well as promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
What is the best massage for tense shoulders?
To improve shoulder tension, several things need to happen:
- The muscles in the upper back, neck and shoulders need to be able to relax completely and stop being continually in a slightly contracted state.
- Adhesion (“knots”) need to loosen up
- Trigger points (areas of hyperirritable muscle tissue) need to be calmed
- The nervous system needs to go into relaxation mode rather than the “flight or fight” mode that stress puts it into.
So the best treatment is one that is relaxing overall while at the same time giving problem areas some targeted deep tissue work. The hot stones/deep tissue combination treatment is ideal for this. The treatment consists of:
- Warm up with stones 25 minutes
- Deep tissue massage 20 minutes
- Relaxation with the warm stones to finish 15 minutes
The total treatment time is 1 hour and the price is £50
Adding aromatherapy to your treatment
Aromatherapy oils have properties that are relaxing for both the muscles and the nervous system. Adding oils into your treatment can enhance the relaxing effect. If you choose to add aromatherapy, I will use aromatherapy oils in the massage oil, as well as vaporising them in the room.
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