What can massage do for neck pain?

Not all neck pain is muscular. But when it is, massage can be helpful. Our heads weigh 10 to 15 pounds when sitting atop perfectly postured spines. Most of us don’t spend our day in this “military brace” posture. For each inch that our heads project forward, it is estimated that they increase the pull on the back muscles by 10 pounds. Imagine what 20 to 40 pounds of head weight does to the muscles that work to hold the head erect!

Massage therapy for the neck includes attention to the scalenes and the sternocleidomastoid muscles that move the head sideways and enable it to rotate. Three muscles that run down the middle of the back from the skull are in charge of holding or pulling the head upright. These are the semispinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis.  The levator scapulae muscles run from the skull to the scapulae and help raise the scapulae. But their attachment to the head means that they are a frequent cause of neck pain.

A good neck massage for pain or stiffness should include all of the muscles and others that enable the strength and flexibility of the neck.  This therapy is firm and usually includes some neck stretches.

Does massage fix rotator cuff tears?

No. Massage can alleviate tension in the four muscles of the rotator cuff. This may free the muscles to be provide more flexibility to the shoulder. But most rotator cuff injuries occur in the supraspinatus muscle that rums into and through the shoulder joint and can tear from overuse. Once torn, the supraspinatus must be repaired surgically.

Can massage help with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Massage therapy may reduce some of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome temporarily. But it does not fix the problem. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually results from cartilage closing over the U-shaped opening from the wrist to the hand. Cartilage is bone-like in that it does not respond to massage. Surgery to repair the carpal tunnel is common.

What licensing is needed for a massage therapist in Ohio?

While nothing guarantees professional competence, a licensed massage therapist has a vested interest in being good. An LMT has invested time and money to obtain credentials. In Ohio, licensure is through the State Medical Board. The license usually reads “Limited Practice,” which means it is not a license to practice medicine. LMTs are required to pursue continuing education and to apply annually for license renewal. LMTs typically display their licenses in their places of business.

Do I have to undress?

Massage therapy students will tell you that the proper draping of clients is emphasized in school as much as anything else. Professionalism in massage requires that every client be treated with respect and protection of their privacy. A massage therapy client should NEVER feel uncomfortable with the extent of undress required. It is the client’s preference that determines what clothing is removed. If you are uncomfortable, don’t start the massage or stop the massage and say so. If you are not satisfied with the response, leave and don’t return. Whether the situation was intentional or accidental, it is not acceptable.