How to Give a Massage - Massge Techniques for Neck and Shoulders

Now that it seems with virtually everyone using a computer for long hours every day, the problems of neck and shoulder aches can affect anyone. Fortunately, a partial solution to these aches can be provided with a few simple, easy to learn massage techniques that nearly anyone can use. Just follow these quick guidelines to learn how to give a massage that will help the person with the aching neck and shoulders.

Have the recipient lie down on a mat or soft carpet as a massage table is not usually among the standard items of furniture in the average home. Have him or her take a few deep breaths, exhaling well to try to relax the whole body.

It may help to place a rolled towel briefly under the body at the top of the back, just below the base of the neck. This helps stretch out muscles which are tensed, prior to working them.

Now, positioned above the person, cradle the head with one hand, turning it slightly in one direction. Knead the chest muscles first. These, paradoxically, are often one of the primary culprits. If they're tight, they can cause the back muscles to tense, pulling the neck muscles with them.

Then work your way up, rubbing the trapezius at the top of the back, then onto the other muscles in the neck. The trapezius is one large muscle group - the top portion for part of the neck system, which fan out into large triangles on both sides of the spine.

Then, switch hands, turn the head slightly the other direction, and repeat.

Making small circles using the tips of the fingers, work the other neck muscles, then slide the fingers down the length of the muscle to the middle of the back and up again.

Turn the recipient over and repeat the procedure in reverse, starting with the base of the skull. Work down the trapezius pair, then over to the chest muscles. Sometimes a pillow under the chest will help create elevation that both stretches the neck and provides room to work. Move the head side to side very gently and stretch just ever so slightly.

Long, moderately firm, gliding strokes are ideal for this type of massage. Be prepared to go slowly and cover a much wider area than just the neck, since the source of the problem is often away from the spine and base of the skull.

I hope these massage techniques tips will help you along your path in learning how to give a massage. I am sure the recipient of this little massage therapy will be very grateful. For additional techniques, check out the Massage Therapy Handbook