Massage Therapy for Neck Pain: What the Research Says

Shannon Smith
Jun 2
3 min read

At Intention Wellness at Sun Therapy, many clients come to me after weeks, or even years of neck tension, stiffness, or pain that disrupts their daily life. Whether it's from desk work, stress, or injury, chronic neck pain is incredibly common, and it often goes under-treated.

Massage therapy offers a powerful, evidence-backed approach to relieving neck pain and restoring function, without relying solely on medication or invasive procedures.

Let’s explore how it works, what the latest research shows, and how it may support your healing journey.

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain can be caused by:

Muscle tension and trigger points (often from poor posture or stress)
Whiplash or motor vehicle injuries
Cervical disc issues or degenerative changes
Tech neck and prolonged screen time
Sleep position and poor pillow support

When soft tissues in the neck and shoulders become tight or inflamed, they can compress nerves, restrict movement, and lead to tension headaches or referred pain.

How Massage Therapy Helps Neck Pain

Massage therapy targets the soft tissues of the cervical spine, reducing muscle tightness, improving circulation, and encouraging nervous system regulation. Techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular work are commonly used to address the root causes of neck discomfort.

Massage therapy can help:

Decrease pain intensity
Improve range of motion
Reduce muscle spasm
Lower stress and nervous system overactivation
Prevent tension from progressing into chronic pain patterns

What the Research Says

Here’s what recent studies say about the benefits of massage therapy for neck pain:

1. Massage Reduces Neck Pain Intensity

A 2024 randomized controlled trial published in Frontiers in Pain Research found that participants receiving massage therapy reported significantly reduced neck pain compared to the control group. Pain levels dropped from an average of 7/10 to 2/10 over a series of sessions.

2. Sustained Benefits for Chronic Neck Pain

A systematic review published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023) concluded that massage therapy improves pain, mobility, and quality of life for patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Benefits were observed both immediately after treatment and at follow-up intervals.

3. Massage Therapy Enhances Function

In a study evaluating workplace-related neck tension, massage therapy significantly improved range of motion and decreased discomfort related to computer use. The researchers emphasized its value as a non-pharmacological intervention for occupational health.

Why Choose Intention Wellness for Neck Pain Relief?

At Intention Wellness at Sun Therapy, your session is never rushed or one-size-fits-all. Each treatment is based on a deep understanding of your posture, pain patterns, daily stressors, and long-term goals.

I use:

Myofascial release to reduce fascial restrictions
Trigger point therapy for referred pain and muscle knots
Neuro-somatic techniques to retrain holding patterns
Gentle integration work to support alignment and nervous system regulation

Whether you’re managing tension from screen time, post-whiplash recovery, or simply seeking to breathe easier and move more freely, your care is intentional, collaborative, and rooted in skill.

What to Expect in a Session

Massage for neck pain typically includes:

A detailed intake to understand your pain patterns
Table work focusing on the neck, shoulders, upper back, and jaw
Gentle stretching and movement cues to support mobility
Post-session guidance on posture, breathing, and self-care

Let’s Ease the Weight You’ve Been Carrying

Neck pain isn’t just physical. It can weigh down your energy, your focus, and your quality of life. Massage therapy offers a grounded, whole-body approach to releasing that weight, so you can move through life with more ease.

If you're ready to explore therapeutic massage for neck pain, let’s connect.

Book a session today or reach out for a personalized consultation.

References

Frontiers in Pain Research. (2024). Massage therapy reduces chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled study. PMID: 39267898
J Clin Med. (2023). The effectiveness of massage therapy for chronic neck pain: A systematic review. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/4/1057
J Bodyw Mov Ther. (2022). Massage therapy improves neck discomfort in office workers: A workplace study. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.01.004