How to Give a Swedish Neck Massage

Anyone who has ever experienced neck problems knows that tension in the neck can cause a variety of other problems, such as back pain, trouble sleeping, headaches and irritability. Luckily there are a number of Swedish massage techniques to relieve tension on the neck. A few simple tricks can be added to your massage therapy back of tricks, or used at home as needed.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Create an exquisite full body Swedish massage by both beginning and ending your session with the client's neck. Because most people hold the majority of their tension in their necks, working the area can be a great way to help your client relax when you begin and a fantastic way to send them away stress-free.

2. Begin with your client face up on the table. Stand above their head and cup the base of their neck with both hands. Gently draw your hands up, pulling slightly to lengthen their neck, until your pointer fingers reach the cranial ridge, just above the top of their neck. You will find that this is a comfortable and natural position to anchor your fingers.

3. Lean back slightly, applying gently pressure to the cranial ridge, where the neck muscles attach, stretching the muscles of the neck. Repeat the motion, beginning again at the base of the neck and sweeping your fingers up the neck to the cranial ridge and ending with a very gentle pull.

4. Use the sides of your pointer fingers as you make the upward stroking motion to massage either side of the vertebrae of the neck. Once warm, you can deepen this Swedish massage technique by lifting straight up gently as your sweep along the neck. The neck is now warm and long, prepared to begin work on the muscles of the upper back and arms.