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. Not all headaches are caused by muscle tension, but it’s a very common cause. Massage for tension headaches focuses on getting the muscles of the neck and shoulders to relax and let go of tension.
Massage for tension headaches – how it helps
Tension headaches are often the result of the body staying in a constant low-level stress response. When we are stressed, the nervous system increases muscle tension as a form of protection and vigilance, especially around the neck, shoulders, jaw and base of the skull. Over time, these muscles stop fully relaxing, circulation becomes reduced, and the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals. This is why tension headaches are so common in people who suffer from stress and anxiety. Massage helps by encouraging the nervous system to shift out of stress mode, reducing muscle guarding and improving circulation to overworked tissues.
Having a massage can give immediate 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 £35
Book a massage for tension headache
Which muscles cause tension headache?
Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. There are over 20 muscles in these areas, but the ones that tension headaches most often originate from are 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 £35.
To book a massage for tension headache, 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