QuestionHi,
I have a good number (probably 8-10) very stubborn muscle knots in my neck and shoulder area. The largest and most stubborn of these are clustered around my shoulder blades; they have been present for many years--for as long as I've been getting massages, actually. I have had several MTs over the years, always searching for someone who is particularly talented in finding and focusing in on these knots. I have just recently found someone who is fantastic at this, and am thrilled to have found her.
My main question is now that I've found someone who has a true talent for finding and working these spots, is it even possible to get them to release? I think part of the problem is that I am generally only able to afford to get a 60-minute massage once every 1-2 months. I know this is probably not enough time to work them out. Would a 90- or 120-minute massage give her more of a chance to successfully work them? Would a few 60-minute sessions over the course of a week or two be any more effective? And--most importantly, if it's even possible to work out the knots completely, is there any point to spending the money that may be required to do so, or will they just come back in a short time due to muscle memory or the repetitive stress that may have caused them in the first place (eg, bad posture, working a desk job, etc.)?
I am going to pose this question to my new MT as well, but I don't see her for another month and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Thanks in advance for you time.
AnswerHi Lisa!
Thanks for your question!
Those stubborn muscle knots are actually muscle spasms.
While its best to get massage as often as you can afford, unfortunately a 60 minute massage once every 1 to 2 months is not going to do much to alleviate the problem. It would be more wise to invest in a couple of 30 minute back sessions a week for about a month and then get a maintenance 'dose' every 1 to 2 months.
But before your Massage Therapist puts a big smile on her face and pats me on the back, I can also tell you what you can do to make things better yourself.
The factor relating to muscle knots is predetermined by our lifestyle.
So if we
1. do not drink the amount of water daily necessary for our well being.
2. do not get up from our desk job every 20 minutes or so to stretch and articulate our neck and shoulder muscles
3. do not have a warm to hot shower and let the water run over the affected part for a couple of minutes
4. Do not deal with our problems effectively
the pain is bound to come back.
Will a new lifestyle change all this? Yes, unless there is some medical, pathological, postural or psychological reason for the change not to happen.
Pain in the shoulders and neck is very closely associated to stress and the helplessness to change the things that burden us in life so it would be a good idea to take some life coaching at a registered psychologist or psychotherapist who can teach you how to deal with your emotions and stress. Many psychological magazines will also have exercises on how to tackle your time management and keep your stress levels in check.
Example: I've known house mothers who hardly have any time to finish their housework, get the kids ready, go to work and cook at the same time etc but they then have a couple of hours to spare on Farmville and facebook in the most awkward positions!! (Bed and sofa) I'm sure you'll understand what I mean here.
Hopefully you can see that a holistic approach to your problem can effectively change your lifestyle. Exercise yourself regularly and go for your massage as a treat monthly. You deserve it!
This maybe is not the answer you wish to hear. I have been seeing the same clients for over 17 years and I know that some DO get benefit and others will not and mostly come for a chat and relaxation. Others come to 'accuse' their husbands of not helping around etc.
If our body is used and abused, then like any mechanical machine, we are going to need maintenance.
Good luck in the choices you need to make.
Jeremy Lanfranco
