Tight Neck and Shoulders from Desk Work? What Actually Helps
It's one of the most common things people book remedial massage for, and one of the most frustrating — because it tends to come back. Here's a realistic look at what helps.
Why it builds up
Sitting at a desk isn't inherently harmful. The issue is usually duration without variation — holding one position for hours, with shoulders slightly elevated and the head forward over a screen.
What actually seems to help
Movement variety beats perfect posture
Changing position regularly tends to matter more than finding one ideal posture and holding it.
Regular breaks, even short ones
A couple of minutes of moving every 45 minutes or so is easier to sustain than a long stretch session once a day.
Something that loads the upper back
If your training doesn't include much pulling or upper back work, adding some is often worthwhile.
Hands-on treatment for the accumulated stuff
Once tightness has built up over months, this is where remedial massage is useful — targeted work rather than general relaxation.
When to get it properly assessed
Worth getting assessed instead of massaged if you've got pain rather than tightness, anything travelling down the arm, pins and needles or weakness, or headaches that are new or changing. Our osteopath also works with neck pain and shoulder pain.
Book a remedial massage in Kensington
Nick Mann is our remedial massage therapist at Mixed Osteo, 92 Parsons Street, Kensington — easy to reach from the CBD, North Melbourne, Docklands and the inner west.
Book online or call the clinic on (03) 4054 1621.
See our remedial massage FAQs.
