Neck, shoulders and upper back

Common causes

• Long hours at a desk or on a phone
• Sleeping awkwardly
• Training: pressing, pulling, grappling
• Stress, which tends to land in the upper traps

How Rafael treats it

He checks how your neck and shoulders move, then works the muscles that are tight or holding trigger points, usually the upper traps, levator scapulae, the muscles at the base of the skull, and the chest muscles that pull the shoulders forward. Most people notice a difference in how far they can turn their head by the end of the session.

You'll leave with a couple of simple stretches to keep it from tightening straight back up.

How long to book

60 minutes for neck and shoulders alone. 90 minutes if your upper back, arms or headaches are part of the picture.

When to see a doctor first

If neck pain followed a fall or accident, or comes with numbness, weakness or pins and needles down the arm, see your GP or physio before booking a massage.