Today we continue exploring treatments for the neck. Yesterday we used the thumbs and fingers to rub out any specific lines of discomfort or tension from the head and down to the shoulder or upper back. Most of the hard, rope-like muscle tightness in the neck responds really well to this type of treatment. Some people though harbor some deep trigger points along the base of the head, neck or upper back as a part od their issues.
These can be some of the most painful things to work on, but the payoff is worth it. Sometimes you have to push down to where it feels like you're on the bone to fix these things. When we treat people with these they will typically describe it as "it hurts good", or "it's productive pain". It hurts, but you know it is helping you, and you can feel tension almost melting away as these things start to resolve.
To do this you will have to search around for just the right spot. As you're reading this you are probably looking for one right now. Once you find the most uncomfortable spot apply slow pressure into it to your tolerance. You will likely have to hold this spot for up to a minute and sometimes longer to get some relief. Just be patient. I like to use a lacrosse ball on myself to do these. It saves my thumbs and i don't have to put my arm and hand in weird positions if the spot happens to be in a spot where i have difficulty reaching.
The key is to hold constant pressure over time. You can do this on these areas of discomfort a couple times a day if needed.
*Caution: If you use a lacrosse ball or other tool to perform this, only do it once a day and not for more than 2-3 minutes. Firm pressure for longer time or multiple times a day may cause some bruising or aggravate the spot for several days (don't ask me how I know this!)
