Torticollis is an unpleasant, but the massage therapy is one of those rare moments that makes it less arduous. No doubt, you have experienced the immobility of the neck and would even wonder if the massage could somehow improve the condition of the pain in your neck. To tell the truth, I had the same issue as you and so in this post, I will give an account of that, pros, and cons as well as, when you should think of getting it.
Defining Torticollis and Its Causes
Torticollis is a condition when your neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing your head to twist to one side. Consequently, life might become dull due to the inability to move your head, and you might be stuck with a stiff neck. Sometimes, it may appear all of a sudden, and you may find that the pain is severe. You could be awoken one morning to find your neck is craned to the left due to the stiffness.
Torticollis may have different reasons that are responsible for it. The most common reason may be a bad sleep position or the presence of a muscle injury, but besides this, it may be the basis of the problem of the cervical spine, therefore, regular treatments must be performed. If you’ve ever tried to combat this condition, you know very well how frustrating it can be and how it can cause substantial pain to you.
Symptoms of Torticollis
Recognizing the Signs of Neck Stiffness
As you may know, torticollis is commonly characterized by a stiff neck, but the pain is a little bit more than that. You cannot only feel uncomfortable in your neck, and it usually becomes a visual problem as well. For example, instead of standing upright, your head is tilted to the side and has a hard time getting it upright. This goes along with spasms and problems moving your head side to side. It is common that the pain spreads to the shoulders, thus leading to a challenging task of doing anything.
Headaches or inflammation of the neck muscles are some of the concurrent symptoms to torticollis. You might experience a dull pain that aggravates with motion, let’s say, making you quite uncomfortable while doing things like driving or reading.
How Massage Therapy Relieves Torticollis
The Benefits of Massage for Neck Pain
A massage for torticollis ends the severity of the condition. I reckon the therapy injections the neck rigidity because it is among the most applicable methods to curb pain. When you get a massage, the therapist works on relaxing your neck muscles. This brings about the reduction of the tightness and spasms that are the cause of the pain. The act of gently moving the hands back and forth over the body tends to augment the blood circulation throughout the body, thus giving the muscle more time to recover. This is one of the reasons muscles can recover over a short period of time.
The first time I ever had a massage, I felt the relaxation to be not only physical but also mental. It is also very stressful, which can be good for relaxing. When you are less stressed, the muscles in your body naturally relax, this way torticollis will be dealt with in two ways.
Types of Massage Techniques for Torticollis
Effective Methods to Ease Muscle Tension
When talking about muscle stiffness the subject gets complicated and not all the modes of massage are seen as – to the same degree. You may be thinking which one is the most effective. In my experience, the methods mentioned are the most effective ones:
- Deep Tissue Massage: So, this one is a more intense type of massage. Your therapist has to press very slowly and deeply with the help of such firm pressure. Only in such a way, will she/he manage to access the deeper layers of your muscles. And even if patients feel scared first, it is the best way to dispel the tension that causes torticollis. It works wonders if the pain is deeper, and this method is that one.
- Swedish Massage: A Swedish massage is, on the other hand, an easy and more calming alternative. In the case of this technique, one is not only soothed but similar effects are achieved as well. Continuous, long strokes relax the muscles. This speeds up recovery and general relaxation relieved pain, thus, shortly it is recommended for the slightly severe cases of torticollis.
- Trigger Point Therapy: This is a method that targets a certain area, usually an area is your neck that is the source of discomfort. The massage therapist will apply pressure to the specific \”trigger points,\” which can cause the release of muscle tension and the relief of pain in an instant. Among people who continue suffering from neck pain or getting torticollis frequently, this technique is the most successful one.
When to Seek Massage Therapy for Torticollis
Identifying the Right Time for Treatment
Understanding the moment you need a massage for torticollis is crucial. Generally, in some situations, torticollis would disappear on its own within a few days. Nevertheless, if the stiffness or discomfort still makes you suffer after several days, massage therapy is advisable. My observation is that the sooner you begin the treatment, the faster is the recovery process.
If you see that the pain is either becoming more severe or staying the same after self-care, massage therapy may be the next option. Especially if no over-the-counter pain relief has been successful, trying a massage might be an option. I always emphasize that you should listen to your body, if the pain won’t stop, don’t be lazy to get help as soon as possible.
Home Care Tips Alongside Massage for Torticollis
Simple Stretches and Exercises to Complement Massage
While massage for torticollis is highly effective, there are also some things you can do at home in addition to massage that can help speed up recovery. Simple exercises and stretches can absolutely be enough, and you can start slowly without any intensity. These workouts can help work up your neck and breather better:
- Neck Stretches: First-timer, gently tilt your head towards one side and remain it there for a couple of seconds. After that, do the same on the other side. It loosens up the constricted neck muscles.
- Heat Therapy: The use of heat can also act as a muscle relaxant by targeting the affected area. You should either use a heating pad or take a hot shower. The higher inflow of blood circulation will follow this, and this will help to relieve stiffness, thereby ensuring a more effective massage.
- Proper Posture: When seated or standing, try to keep a good posture. The extra weight on your neck may also cause you to slouch if your lower back or core muscles are weak. The right method of posture will help avoid torticollis from getting worse, and on the other hand, it will support the ongoing rehabilitation process.
Consulting a Professional for Severe Torticollis
When to See a Specialist for Neck Pain Relief
A form of torticollis can be more than a temporary neck issue of some people. If your pain becomes severe or lasts for more than a week, it’s time to see a healthcare professional.
Massage can bring relief, in case you have a mild case, still on the contrary, for a few people, more complex treatments will be needed. However in this case, you are to see a healthcare professional so that the health concern is attended to. In other words, when you experience your in case when your pain has extended tenaciously or has swelled. Massage may produce large relief, yet in some situations, the patient may need more invasive procedures.
Assuming you may require medical services if the pain is in addition to arm numbness or weakness, or you have difficulty swallowing or speaking. These may be signals of a serious condition that needs immediate medical treatment. In the event that you are suffering from torticollis because of an injury or a long-time condition, the doctor may advise you to the massage and other medical therapies such as physical therapy or medication.
The Soothing Power of Massage for Torticollis
If ever you find yourself with a stiff neck, just try massage therapy to improve it. Not only will it physically help, but it will also make your mind at peace. Do keep in mind, though, that you should go to a professional or a different therapist if your condition becomes more serious or the pain is still bothering you greatly.
