People who sit at desks or drive for long periods of time experience a lot of pain in their neck and shoulders.A neck massage is a great way to get rid of that tension.It is possible to improve blood circulation, ease headaches, and give an energy boost with a massage.A good neck massage is a great gift for a friend, loved one, or a professional massage client.
Step 1: A comfortable seated position is what you should place your partner in.
Their back can be straight.You need to be able to access their shoulders and upper back.You can use a stool to get to their back.Make sure the back of the chair is low enough to allow you access to their shoulders.Place a cushion on the ground if you don't have a chair or stool.While kneeling behind your partner, have them sit cross-legged on the ground.
Step 2: Light and long strokes can be used.
Most of us think about the Swedish massage when we think of massages.It uses long, gentle motions along the surface of the muscles rather than the intense pressure of a deep tissue massage.You can apply focused pressure when you find tension knots.Keep the pressure firm but not intense.
Step 3: Warm the muscles.
Rushing into intense massaging before warming up the muscles can cause your partner to tense up even more.The neck and shoulders should be prepared by using your fingertips.They will be put in a frame of mind to relax.Place the ring, middle, and index fingers on your partner's neck.Light pressure is applied.Use whichever fingertips feel right to you.You could use the index and middle fingers.Place your fingers on the sides of their neck.Run your fingers over the muscles and make sure to apply even pressure.
Step 4: The thumbs should be kneaded into the tense muscles.
You may have felt knots in the muscles after the previous step.The knots need focused pressure from your thumbs.The tension knot has your thumbs on it.Place your other four fingers on each hand on the front of your partner's shoulder.If you want to release the tension in the muscles, apply firm pressure with your thumbs.On tension knots, do this throughout the shoulder muscles.
Step 5: You can move your fingers up and down the neck.
There is a lot of stress on the muscles in the back and sides of the neck.You can warm up the neck muscles with one hand.Put your thumb on one side of the neck, and the tips of your other four fingers on the other side.Keep firm but gentle pressure.Your hand should go up and down the neck.The width of the neck should be moved as well.You can see the muscles along the back of the neck.You can loosen the muscles on the sides of the neck by widening your hand.
Step 6: The back of the neck is where you should pinch.
You want to apply the same pressure to the sides of the neck with your thumb.You need your other four fingers to hold the pressure on your thumb.You would have to wrap your fingers around the front of the throat to work with both hands.This would cause pain to your partner.Work with one hand at a time.Stand behind them.On the right side of their neck, place the thumb of your left hand.Wrap your other four fingers around the left side of their neck.Just as you did on the shoulders, you should do the same with your thumb.If you encounter tension knots, focus on them.Stand behind and to the left of your partner when you've finished the right side of their neck.On the left side of the neck, repeat the process with your right thumb.
Step 7: You should be able to see your hands on the sides of the neck.
It can be difficult to massage the sides of the neck.You can do this by gliding your hand from the top of the neck down to the shoulder.Start on the left side of their body.Place your left hand on their left shoulder.Place your thumb on the back of the neck with the fingers on your right hand facing downward.Put your hand in a downward motion.Your thumb should be on the back of the shoulder at the end of your motion.Pick up any tension points on your fingers.
Step 8: Put pressure on the outsides of the shoulder blades.
Apply firm pressure by pressing your fingertips into the shoulder blades.If you want to release tension from the muscles in the upper back, move your hands in a circular motion.
Step 9: The shoulder blades should be used with the heel of your palm.
It can be difficult to massage the back because it is in the center.Pain can be caused by applying focused pressure to the spine.Use your palm to apply pressure.Stand at your partner's side.Place one hand on their shoulder.The shoulder blades should be between your palm.Apply firm pressure from one shoulder blade to the other.
Step 10: It's best to massage under the collar bone.
Although most of the massage focuses on the shoulders, neck, and upper back, a little attention to the upper chest can help relieve neck pain.Place your hand on your partner's back as you stand at their side.Rub their collar bone with your fingertips.Pressing on the bone will cause pain.
Step 11: You can massage the upper arms.
The tension felt in the neck and shoulders is not related to the arms.The muscles in the arms, shoulders, and neck work closely together.Reducing tension in the upper arms will benefit the neck.Place your hands on their shoulders.Run your hands down from the shoulders to the upper arms, then back up.This is repeated a few times.Rub the muscles in the upper arms.
Step 12: In an un-patterned way, cycle through these motions.
Your partner will grow accustomed to the sensation if you focus too much on one area.Change your hands' motions to make the experience more pleasurable for them.The massage will feel better if they can't predict the sensations.The muscles in the shoulders, neck, back, and arms are related.Paying attention to a wide area of muscles is more likely to ease muscle pain.
Step 13: You can use all parts of your hand.
Many amateur massagers only use their thumbs.The thumbs are great for focused pressure, but can cause pain if you use them too much.If you want to give a massage, use all parts of your hand.Use your thumbs to press on the tension knots.Light pressure can be applied to larger areas of skin and muscle.You can use your fingertips for pressure.You can use your knuckles on tight muscles.
Step 14: Don't massage your partner's bones.
Applying pressure to bones can cause pain.Only apply pressure to the muscles.
Step 15: Continue as long as is necessary.
A massage doesn't have to take a long time.A five-minute massage can make a world of difference.A long massage will make them feel cared for.
Step 16: Your partner should be in the supine position.
He is laying down on their back.If you can find an elevated surface for them to lay on, you might be able to sit in a chair at their head.This could hurt your back if they lay on the ground..Don't let long hair hang in your partner's face.If they have long hair, you should sweep it over the side of the table or bed so you don't accidentally pull it during the massage.They can either remove their shirt or wear a top that exposes their chest.If he is uncomfortable with exposing their chest, you should provide a towel or blanket.
Step 17: There is a choice of massage oil or lotion.
If you don't find massage oils at a department store, you can buy them online.Coconut oil is great for massage oils.Almond oil and sesame oil can work well, but they are heavy and thick.The oils can be used for a massage.Almond or sesame oil should not be used if your partner has nut allergies.Rub the oil or lotion on your hands together.This warms the product to make it more comfortable.
Step 18: Warm up slowly.
Place the heels of your palms on the sides of their neck.Swedish strokes can be used to apply pressure to the neck and shoulders.Put your thumbs under the neck and run your index finger down the length of it.Work your way down to where the neck meets the shoulder.Fan the motion out over their shoulders.The middle, ring, and pinky fingers can be used on the front of the shoulders.
Step 19: Apply more pressure to the neck.
Place four fingers under the neck.Run your fingers from the base of the skull to the shoulder.Pull your fingers away from the table or mat to loosen the muscles.Their head should be almost lifted from the surface.You can repeat this motion with your fingers all along the neck.
Step 20: Use your thumbs to work the neck and shoulders.
Lifting your index through your fingers in the air, place your thumbs on the sides of the neck.You can apply firm pressure by gliding your thumbs down the sides of the neck.All the way to the edges, put them over the shoulders.The length of your thumb is more important than the tip.Instead of focused pressure, this applies diffuse pressure.Don't look at the front of the throat.Applying pressure will cause a lot of pain.
Step 21: It's a good idea to massage the chest.
It is important that you pay attention to the muscles in the front of the chest and neck.The thumbs should be placed against the back of the shoulders.The other four fingers should be on the front of the shoulders.Kneading pressure should be applied to the front of the shoulders and the upper chest.Don't apply pressure to the collarbone or any other bone.This can be very painful.
Step 22: Rolling pressure should be applied to the neck.
Place your fingers under your partner's neck.Beginning by the ears, apply pressure in a rolling motion away from the head.Don't be rough, but be firm.They shouldn't flinch because your motion might lift their shoulders off the ground.
Step 23: The focus should be on each side of the neck.
To expose their neck to you, turn their head to the side.Place one hand under their head.When you are done working on one side of the neck, turn their head and work the other side.Use your fingertips to apply long, firm strokes from the earlobe down to the chest.The side of the neck can be kneaded with your thumb.
Step 24: Deep tissue pressure can be applied to the sides of the neck.
You need to be aware of your partner's reactions while doing deep tissue techniques.You have to apply more intense pressure to the muscles behind the ears to break up the knots.The head should be turned to the side and one of your hands should hold it.Make a loose fist with your free hand and push the side of your fist into the neck behind the ear.Move your fist slowly down the side of your neck.You have to go down to where the neck meets the chest.The intense pressure can be very painful if you move your hand too quickly down the neck.If you see signs of pain, be careful.While relaxing in the long run, deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable.If they feel pain, give them a break and have them take deep breaths.When he's ready, start again.
Step 25: Work your hands behind your ears.
The muscles behind the ear are tense.You can work both sides of the neck at the same time if you return your partner's head to an upright position.Place your fingers on the muscles.To break up the tension in that area, move your fingertips in a circular motion.
Step 26: The muscles are above the collarbone.
There is a small dent above the collarbone.Use your fingers to massage the muscles in that area.