Massage Therapy for Neck Pain: The Ultimate Guide

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Massage therapy is a great way to relieve all kinds of pain and discomfort. Here’s how you can use massage therapy for neck pain.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, the massage therapy industry is an $18 billion industry and is expected to continue to grow.

In fact, an average of 21% of adults in America state that they received at least one massage in the last year.

The reason behind why the massage therapy industry is so successful relies on how beneficial a massage can be to our health and wellbeing.

For example, did you know that massage therapy for neck pain can help you to possibly never experience neck pain again?

It’s true. If you suffer from uncomfortable neck pain, massage therapy can be just what you need to start living a more comfortable life.

Read on to learn about the benefits of massage therapy and how you can begin implementing it in your life today.

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

Simply put, a massage therapist uses touch and pressure to relax a person’s tissue and muscles.

Massage therapists can specialize in various types of massage, such as Swedish and deep tissue. There are more than 80 massage disciplines to choose from.

The type of massage given depends on the client’s physical or emotional needs.

The massage therapist will first talk with their client about any health issues they may have and then choose the type of massage that best meets the needs of the client.

Massage therapists may work in spas, medical offices, hotels and resorts, gyms, and private practices, to name a few.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Many of us get a massage to help us relax, but did you know there are some amazing health benefits that come along with massage therapy?

Massage therapy can be viewed as holistic medicine, as it looks at how your health concern relates to your body as a whole and then tries to fix the issue.

Massage therapy can help provide relief from the following health issues:

  • Digestive disorders
  • TMJ
  • Pinched nerves
  • Sciatica
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches
  • Stress-related insomnia
  • Muscle spasms
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries or sprains

Massage therapy can also be wildly positive for your mind and emotional wellness.

It is often used to treat mental disorders, such as anxiety, and can leave you feeling comfortable and connected to your body.

Massage therapy has been shown to reduce high-stress levels as it can help control your levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone, and increase your “happy hormones,” such as dopamine and serotonin.

Massage Therapy vs. a Chiropractor

If you’re experiencing any physical pain, you may be wondering whether it’s better to go to a massage therapist or a chiropractor.

When it comes to massage therapists and chiropractors, the main difference between their approaches to alleviating pain is what they focus on.

Chiropractors are more focused on the alignment of the spine itself and how it can cause issues to the rest of your body, while massage therapists focus more on the muscles and tissues in your body.

Massage therapy may be more effective in relieving discomfort than chiropractic care, as the massage approach intents to treat the body as a whole rather than just the spine.

In addition, if you visit a massage therapist at a spa or a resort, for example, you’re likely to have a much more relaxing experience than you would have in a chiropractor’s medical office. Visiting a massage therapist can have a positive effect on your mental state in addition to your physical state.

Massage Therapy for Neck Pain

Because massage therapy focuses on your muscles and tissues, it’s a great route to take to reduce muscle tension and help alleviate chronic neck pain.

Two of the most common types of massage that can help with neck issues are the Swedish massage and the deep tissue massage.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage utilizes long, steady strokes to relax your muscles and soft tissues and promote an overall feeling of relaxation.

Your massage therapist may also incorporate kneading and friction movements, and motions are always performed in the direction of blood flow towards the heart.

Deep Tissue Massage

As evident by the name, a deep tissue massage incorporates deeper strokes and friction movements to address the deeper layers of the tissues and muscles within your body.

While a Swedish massage can definitely help neck pain, it puts more focus the relaxation of your body as a whole. In contrast, a deep tissue massage often focuses on the area of your body where pain exists.

Is Massage Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Lucky for you, it is possible to get insurance coverage for massage therapy, but there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Massage therapy may be covered when it’s considered medically necessary and/or fits within the criteria your health insurance provides.

Your insurance company may cover your massage therapy simply by getting a recommendation from your doctor.

More and more insurance companies are beginning to implement guidelines for massage therapy within their coverage policies. The best way to avoid confusion is to simply ask them directly.

Keep in mind, however, that even if your insurance company covers massage therapy, there can be limits on how much they may cover during a policy term.

Reduce Your Pain With Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be an amazing way to promote the overall health and wellness of your body.

It focuses on any physical pain you may be experiencing and is also beneficial to your mind and emotional health.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to begin your journey with massage therapy! Call us at (402) 384-8400 to book an appointment and to begin reaping the benefits of massage therapy for neck pain today.

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