Tight Back Muscles Deserve Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a holistic treatment for stiff muscles. It helps people with injuries, arthritis, muscle spasms, and stress related tension to regain mobility. Massage therapy also helps mood and attitude because it stimulates the brain to release "happy" chemicals, such as serotonin. Massage can interrupt chronic muscular holding patterns, which in turn, increases range of motion, restores balanced muscle action and plays a role in both injury prevention and healing.

If you suffer with back or neck pain and you are looking to get a professional massage, play it smart and be a careful shopper. While massage therapists do have educational and licensing requirements, skill levels vary widely. Ask the hard questions before making that first appointment.

If you are interested in massage you can try on your own neck and shoulders, or those of a friend, below are a few how-to articles for some common sore spots. They are great for that occasional crick in the neck you get after sleeping in an awkward position:

• How to Massage the Tops of Those Shoulders
• Technique for Getting the Sore Spot on the Top of Your Shoulderblade