Can you take a shower after a shoulder and neck massage?

Apr 19, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

You can usually take a shower after a shoulder and neck massage, but it's recommended to wait for an hour. A shoulder and neck massage helps relax muscles and tendons, improves blood circulation, and promotes overall relaxation. While showering afterward is generally fine, waiting for about an hour is advisable. This is because the massage may temporarily cause reduced blood flow or oxygen supply to certain organs, and showering immediately afterward could lead to dizziness, nausea, or other discomforts.

Generally, it is safe to take a shower after a neck and shoulder massage, but it is advisable to wait for about an hour. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The neck and shoulders are areas where meridians run. Massaging these regions can stimulate the meridians, promoting their smooth flow, while also enhancing local circulation of qi, blood, and body fluids. This helps relax muscles and tendons and improves blood circulation. Additionally, there are several important acupoints in the neck and shoulder area—such as Fengchi (GB20) and Dazhui (GV14)—which can help dispel wind, relieve exterior syndromes, boost qi, and strengthen the body. While showering after a neck and shoulder massage is generally acceptable, it's recommended to rest for a period of time; waiting one hour before showering is ideal. This is because massage may temporarily cause relative ischemia or hypoxia in certain organs, and showering immediately afterward could lead to dizziness, nausea, or other discomforts.

When showering, ensure proper warmth to prevent cold pathogens from entering the body and causing chills.

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Instructional video on supine neck and shoulder massage techniques

There is no clinical term known as "supine neck and shoulder massage"; generally, neck and shoulder massage is performed in a prone position. Proper preparation is required for neck and shoulder massage techniques, including relaxation of the neck and shoulder areas. Massage should be performed under the guidance of a physician. Manual massage can help relieve muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, relax muscles, and alleviate symptoms of pain and stiffness.

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What are the methods for neck and shoulder massage?

Under normal circumstances, neck and shoulder massage techniques include kneading, pressing, manipulation, rolling, and pinching. For individuals who remain seated for prolonged periods, it is advisable to regularly perform neck stretches in forward, backward, left, and right directions to relieve neck muscle tension. At the same time, prolonged periods of looking down at a mobile phone should be avoided. This can be achieved by holding the phone higher, at eye level, to reduce strain on the neck.