Neck and Shoulder Massage Video
An introduction on How to Give a Neck and Shoulder Massage.
Whether you are thinking about going to massage therapy school or not, this short video shows you how to give a relaxing neck and shoulder massage to family and friends. It is easy to do and is a great way to reduce stress.
The massage video describes equipment you'll need to get started, setting up, body mechanics and the techniques of upper trapezium squeeze, finger circling, side change, neck rub, scalp massage and finishing strokes.
Click twice on the image to start. - This video is provided by VideoJug.com
Massage of Shoulders and Neck
Setting up
A massage of the neck and shoulders can be performed virtually anywhere but, if possible, you should try and find a quiet spot where the recipient can relax. You should have the person receiving the massage sit backwards on the chair with their legs to the rear and the back of the chair against their chest.
Place a cushion between the person’s stomach and the back of the chair. For additional comfort it may be appropriate to place another cushion between the person’s chest and the chair, extending it a bit so they can rest their chin on it.
Body mechanics
It is important to make sure that our body is not exerting stress or strain. Maintaining good posture and working from the center will insure that we do not waste energy.
You should start by standing behind the recipient and a bit to the left.
Place the left foot forward adjacent to the chair and then angle the back foot 45 degrees.
Make sure that you keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight at all times. This will help you to have a broader range of motion while, at the same time, protecting your body.
Initial contact
You should begin with light contact to the middle of the back. Settle in this spot for just a moment and try to make a connection with to the recipient’s breathing.
Upper trapezius squeeze
Without disengaging, move your hands to the upper part of the shoulder adjacent to the neck and start to gently squeeze the trapezius, the triangular-shaped muscle found on each side of the neck. Follow the trapezius down to the tops of the shoulders.
Repeat this sequence three times, making certain that you gradually increase the pressure each time, but not enough to cause any discomfort or distress.
Finger circling
When you complete the trapezius squeeze, straighten your hands and place one hand on top of the other making sure that the fingers are lined up.
Then you should place the fingers of the bottom hand at the top of the neck. Keeping your arms fully extended you should move your entire body such that you are making small circles with fingers.
Applying pressure firmly, work down the neck, then along the top of the trapezius and down to the shoulder. Repeat this maneuver three times
Side change
When you have completed finger circling, you can change sides. Remain with your hands in contact as you bring your forward foot to the back and then take two small steps towards the other side. After this you should bring your other foot forward and into the behind position.
Repeat the circling three times on this side.
Neck rub
Moving your back foot forward, move to the side and in front of the massage recipient. Form a “claw” with your hands by separating the thumbs from the rest of the fingers and spreading the fingers apart.
Alternating your hands, you will then rub softly then lift the muscles on the back of the neck. Over time, you will become quite proficient at this as it becomes a quite fluid motion which is quite a relaxing experience for the recipient of the massage. Repeat this approximately 20 times.
Scalp massage
Move to the front of the recipient and place your fingers on the hairline at the back of the head. Start at the center and make small circles with your fingers while moving outward.
Continue this motion up the back of the head simulating the motion you would use to apply shampoo. Upon reaching the top of the head, continue back down the sides.
Upon completion, return to the side and repeat the neck rub 10 times.
Now you can return to the position behind and form your hands loosely into fists. Begin gently tapping on the back and shoulders with the bottom side of the fist. Cover the entire upper back and shoulders.
Finishing that, you can open up your hands while keeping your fingers together and begin to do "karate chops" across the trapezius and upper back. Be careful that you do not tap too hard. Stimulation is all that’s required.
Finishing strokes
Complete this session by applying light downward strokes from the shoulders to the lower part of the back. The final strokes should slide off and eventually break contact.
These are the techniques for a quick and easy shoulder and neck massage applied the VideoJug way. Check out all the other massage techniques on the VideoJug website.
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