Headaches are a common problem and are not usually an indication of a serious health issue. Even so, they can make you feel very unwell and frequent headaches can impact on your quality of life. Although there are other causes of headaches, the most common reason is tension in the muscles of the shoulders and neck. Massage for tension headaches focuses on releasing the tension in these areas.

Massage for tension headaches – how it helps

Whether you have occasional tension, or chronic tension, neck and shoulder massage can help.

Massage helps the neck and shoulder muscles to fully relax and release the tension. It can also break down muscle “knots”. These are where muscle fibres become stuck together, due to extended periods of tension. When someone suffers from frequent tension headaches, there are usually knots in the muscles of the upper back, shoulders and neck.

Having a massage can give instant relief to headaches and regular massage is effective in keeping the neck and shoulder area tension free, therefore preventing headaches. The headache massage treatment focuses on the areas around the shoulder blades, the top of the shoulders, and the back and sides of the neck.

The massage for tension headache is a 45 minute treatment and the price is £33

Book a massage for tension headache

What causes shoulder and neck tension?

This tension may be caused by:

• Stress and anxiety
• Poor posture
• Repetitive movements
• Desk work or smart phone use
• Muscle injury
• Eye strain
• Lack of sleep
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

Many people hold on to tension in their neck and shoulders all the time. Some days they are particularly tense and this is when headaches occur. Other people may have occasional tension that leads to headaches.

Which muscles cause tension headache?

Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. There areover 20 muscles in these areas, but the ones that tension headaches most often originate fromare the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and suboccipital muscles.

Trapezius

Picture credit: Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti

The trapezius muscle extends from the back of the neck to the upper back and shoulders. Tightness or strain in this muscle is a frequent contributor to tension headaches. The upperpart of the trapezius, in particular, can cause pain that radiates up to the base of the skull and the temples.

Suboccipitals

Picture credit: Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti

These small muscles are located at the bas eof the skull. Tightness or spasms in the suboccipital muscles can lead to pain that radiates from the back of the head to the front, often contributing to the band-like feeling of tension headaches.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

Picture credit: Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti

The SCM muscle runs from the breast and collar bones up to the mastoid process behind the ear. Tension or trigger points in this muscle can cause referred pain to the forehead, temples and around the eyes.

Book a massage for tension headache relief/prevention

A tension headache massage is a 45 minute treatment and costs £33.

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