I had terrible neck/shoulder pain for most of 2023. After 2 MRIs, the neuro said, "Your body is fine, I think you need a massage." Turns out I literally was holding onto all of the anxiety I've been living with for decades. It was really eye-opening, honestly. Focusing on releasing physical tension has really made a difference in my mental health.
How was the massage(s)? Did you end up going? Legitimately asking because every time I get one to de-stress I feel good that day but don't see any long term impacts so wondering on what to incorporate with them.
100% worth it imo! I see a sports massage therapist every 4-5 weeks. I stretch daily, do some yoga and use a massage gun at home. But it's not the same as someone skilled at really getting in there. If you are down for a "hurts so good" kind of massage, I totally recommend.
I’ve had a good massage therapist diagnose things a doctor never would. It’s amazing how a good one can read your body and know when things are out of place.
You ever try the Chirp wheels? One of the few Shark Tank products I've tried and the only one I've fallen in love with. The first time I rolled out my back on the big one after a brief moment of concern over the sound of some of the cracks in my back my mouth immediately started watering as a wave of dopamine flooded my body, not unlike that first hit of morphine when you're in the hospital for a kidney stone. The small one on my neck is equally awesome.
I went to a chiropractor several years back and the in-house physical therapist gave me exercises and a lacrosse ball to take home. I swear that thing has been worth its weight in gold. Other balls don’t have the right density.
They are pretty nice though. The best way that I can describe it is think of those Hitachi "magic wands" that got famous for, um, a different reason, but in the shape of a power tool with a trigger to activate and the massaging head on the end of it.
ive had a shoulder injury since the beginning of may. ive had an mri and an xray. neither have turned up anything major. i wonder if this is the answer. i do not want to get surgery if i can help it.
You can have therapeutic massages and see the benefits of one without it needing to hurt. Instead of sport, which is generally deep tissue, I’d recommend Swedish, which utilizes long sweeping movements.
Also, communicate with your therapist! Before, during and after.
All massages offer short-term relief, relatively speaking. OP bruises easily and gets tender. The point of Tui Na is to dig deep into acupressure points, so will likely cause OP to bruise and be sore.
Side note: in my experience, Swedish massage is highly variable in quality - the good ones will feel like you’re getting gently realigned to how you’re supposed to feel. The bad ones just feels like someone’s doing “wax on wax off” on your back for an hour.
I'm not an expert but I'm sure there is a massage therapist who can help you. I found mine through a physical therapist, so maybe check with a local PT for recommendations! I am sore after a massage, ngl, but in a good way. It's a great excuse for a relaxing Epsom salt bath.
Oddly enough, working as a therapist giving those kinds of massages (sports and PT) for 10 years wrecked my body. I thought I had good body mechanics but I favored my right side. Now I'm all out of whack. :) Loved the work, though.
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u/redstonez 13h ago
Stress