In the article, we will consider how to massage the cervical-collar zone.
If you experience pain and other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis that interfere with normal life, you can resort to available measures, including lifestyle changes, the use of various medications, compresses, and massage. The selection of appropriate treatment options and physiotherapy should be handled by a competent physician. Massage of the cervical-collar zone in osteochondrosis is distinguished by many advantages. Significantly improves blood circulation in the cervical spine, and overstrain in the muscles decreases. Thus, collar massage is an excellent way to prevent headaches. Moreover, you can use this technique at home, on your own. Of course, before this, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with video lessons or read articles on this topic.
The benefits of massage
Most patients have long been convinced that massage of the cervical-collar zone is good for cervical osteochondrosis. This procedure allows you to normalize blood flow, eliminate edema processes and congestion in the cervical spine. By working out the cervical-collar zone, it is possible to significantly improve the working capacity of the muscular structures of the back, to get rid of soreness, stiffness, and fatigue.
Indications
Massage of this area of the spine is also indicated in cases such as:
- Fatigue arising from increased stress on the shoulders and neck.
- Arthrosis
- Chondrosis.
- Insomnia.
- Neurasthenia, neuritis, neuralgia.
- Muscle cramps and soreness during pregnancy.
- Migraine.
- Sports injuries.
If the patient has no contraindications, and the procedure has been selected correctly, then you can notice the improvement already from the first massage sessions.
Contraindications
Like any therapeutic procedure, massage of the cervical-collar zone may not be performed for all patients. For example, during periods of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, it should be abandoned. In addition, it is not recommended to treat diseases of the spinal column with massage in the presence of the following conditions in a patient:
- Blood coagulation disorders.
- Severe form of hypertension.
- Pathological changes in the cardiovascular system.
- Violations of the functionality of the liver, kidneys.
- Oncological diseases.
- Presence of open wounds in the treatment area.
- Lesions of the skin of infectious genesis.
Also, massage of the neck and shoulders should not be performed if the patient has a fever. In some cases, the procedure is acceptable, but its intensity should be reduced. A similar rule must also be observed for older people, patients suffering from arthritis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis.
Technicians
Among the main techniques used during the massage of the cervical-collar zone, there are kneading, vibration, rubbing, stroking. The difference between these techniques lies in the applied efforts and the amplitude of movements. Some of them are designed to prepare the muscles and relax them before performing the following actions. Others, which are more intense in nature, allow you to tone muscles.
As the massage lessons for the cervical-collar zone presented on the Web confirm, the session always starts with light strokes. After this, the main actions are to knead the muscle corset of the neck and shoulders. Any movements during the massage should be smooth, the pressure should increase gently and gradually, the direction of manipulation - from top to bottom.
Correct position
The maximum effect of massage of the cervical-collar zone in osteochondrosis can be achieved only if the patient is in the correct position. Taking a horizontal position is optional. It is enough for the patient to sit at the table, put a pillow on it and rest against it with his forehead. In this case, the seals must be pressed to the chest. The most suitable time for a back and cervical collar massage is evening.
Self massage
Simple self-massage techniques will help to cope with uncomfortable sensations between visits to a professional massage therapist. The most effective methods of exposure are:
- It is necessary to compress and knead the right shoulder with the left hand. The procedure will be easier if you use massage oil or baby cream. Then the exposure should be repeated from the opposite side - with the right hand on the left shoulder.
- Grip the back of the neck with one hand and tighten it several times. This will reduce muscle strain. Next, you need to raise your shoulders and hold them in this position for several seconds, and then lower them and feel how the tension recedes.
- Fingers should make circular movements, kneading the neck, first on one side, and then on the other. The pressure should be so deep that you can feel the stress accumulated in this area. Repeat the action should be the same way and on the other hand.
- Grasp the back of the neck with both hands, locking them into a lock. Then, gently press the area several times. The movements should be smooth and accurate so as not to damage the nerve. You can repeat the manipulation several times.
- You should take a towel or scarf, twist it into a tourniquet, grab the ends and rub them from side to side in the shoulders and neck.
How to massage the cervical-collar zone with honey?
Honey massage
This massage technique, involving the use of a natural product, has been known since ancient times. Honey procedures are highly effective, while the skin and tissues are saturated with trace elements and vitamins during the massage. Among other things, honey allows you to warm up problem areas. The bee product has a viscous consistency, due to which a sharp opening of the hands from the skin allows you to create a short-term vacuum effect. Blood flows intensively to the area of the skin, there is an improvement in vascular patency, muscle tissue is actively saturated with nutrients and oxygen. Blood supply from cervical collar massage improves.
Benefits of Honey Treatment
The main advantages of using honey are:
- Normalization of the outflow of lymph.
- Stopping soreness.
- Increased range of motion.
- Increased muscle tissue elasticity.
- Blood flow improvement.
- The elimination of inflammatory phenomena.
It should be noted that honey massage is rather painful, however with each subsequent procedure the body gets used to intensive influences. In addition, it is important to consider that honey is an allergen and is capable of provoking the development of an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is important to conduct a test in advance by applying a small amount of product to the elbow. In the absence of rashes or redness on the skin after a day, you can proceed to massage.
Massage of the cervical-collar zone in children
In the absence of contraindications, massage will be useful not only for adults, but also for children of school, preschool and even infants.
In infancy, the massage procedure contributes to the proper development of the shoulder, cervical, spinal muscles, helps strengthen the nervous system, relieve hypertonicity. The most useful cervical-collar massage for children from one and a half years. In addition, during the massage stimulation of the speech centers occurs, which favorably affects the development of speech. Massage also improves blood circulation, transmission of impulses responsible for hearing and vision. It is necessary to perform children's massage of the cervical spine with special care and strict observance of the techniques and rules for such an impact.
In infants
When massaging the neck and shoulders in infants, as a rule, only light strokes are used. The baby should lie on a flat surface in a position on the stomach. Effects should be performed with only one hand, with the other, it is important to hold the child’s legs. The basic rule of the procedure is that all movements should be directed from the child’s head to his back.
When performing neck massage in older children, techniques similar to adult massage are used. The only difference is the intensity of exposure. When massaging the cervical area in children, you should not exert too much effort, stroking and kneading should be soft and neat.
It is important to remember that for conducting therapeutic massage in children it is advisable to consult a specialist, because only an experienced and qualified massage therapist will help you choose the right technique and power of exposure, so as not to harm the baby.
We examined how the massage of the back and cervical-collar zone is carried out and what is useful .