Tight, sore muscles across the upper back, shoulders and neck, sometimes with stiffness turning the head or with tension headaches. It's very common among desk workers.
Pain & recovery concern
Neck & Shoulder Tension
Neck and shoulder tension usually comes from long hours at a desk or on a phone, stress and poor sleep posture. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, a 30-minute TuiNa & DDS Acupressure Massage ($110) focuses on the neck and shoulders; relaxation massage and Indian head massage (Waitlist) are other options.
TCM links shoulder and neck tension to stagnation of Qi along the Gallbladder and Small Intestine channels, which is often worsened by stress (Liver Qi constraint) and by exposure to wind and cold.
Treatments that may help
What to expect
Many people feel looser straight after. Regular sessions plus desk breaks, screen height and sleep position make the difference over time.
Terms to know
Full glossaryGlossary
Acupoints
TCMAcupoints are specific points on the body, mostly along the meridians, that are stimulated with needles, finger pressure or low-level laser.
Glossary
Meridians
TCMMeridians are the channels through which, in TCM, Qi and blood are understood to flow, connecting the body's surface with its organ systems.
Glossary
Qi
TCMIn TCM, Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital energy understood to flow through the body and sustain life and function.
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By Flourish TCM Clinic
Frequently asked questions
30 or 60 minutes?
30 minutes suits the neck and shoulders alone; 60 minutes covers the whole back.
What does DDS add?
A gentle tingling micro-current through the therapist's hands.
How often should I book?
Weekly at first if tension is ongoing, then monthly.
Can this help tension headaches?
Many people find neck and shoulder work relaxing. Frequent headaches should be checked by a doctor.