Neck & Shoulder Pain Treatment in East Dulwich

Neck stiffness, tight shoulders, tension headaches and desk-related pain are among the most common issues I treat.

Neck stiffness • Tight shoulders • Tension headaches • Desk posture strain

Struggling with neck stiffness, tight shoulders or recurring tension headaches? At Life Massage in East Dulwich, treatment is focused on relieving pain, restoring movement and addressing the underlying pattern — not just temporarily easing symptoms.

Targeted, one-to-one care designed to get results.

Many clients come in with a mix of symptoms rather than one single “neck problem”. This treatment may help if you experience:

• Tight shoulders or upper trapezius tension
• Neck stiffness or reduced movement
• Desk-related pain (screen posture, mouse/keyboard strain)
• Tension headaches
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Jaw/temple tension linked to stress
• A feeling of “carrying stress” in the neck and shoulders

Neck and shoulder pain often persists because the strain is part of a wider pattern — posture, workload, stress, and compensation from the upper back and shoulder girdle all play a role. Common contributors include:

• Forward-head posture and rounded shoulders

• Long hours sitting, driving, or looking down at screens

• Stress and shallow breathing patterns that tighten the upper body

• Overuse from gym training, climbing, parenting, or repetitive work

• Compensation patterns (e.g., upper traps overworking when shoulder stability is weak)

• The goal is not just to “rub where it hurts”, but to treat the pattern that keeps bringing it back.

Every session is tailored to what your body is doing on the day. We start with a short consultation and a quick assessment of posture, movement and where the tension is coming from. Treatment is focused and specific — targeting the muscles and trigger points that are genuinely contributing to your pain, not just the area that feels sore.

Clients often describe sessions as very thorough, professional, and say they appreciate that everything is clearly explained so they understand what we’re working on and why.

Depending on your symptoms and sensitivity, your session may include a blend of:

• Remedial / deep tissue techniques (when appropriate)

• Myofascial release to reduce stiffness and improve glide

• Trigger point work for referral patterns into the head, neck and shoulder

• Upper back and scapula-focused release to improve shoulder mechanics

• Acupressure / meridian-based techniques for tension patterns and stress load

• Optional Infrared / Red Light Therapy to support recovery and circulation alongside manual work

Most people notice a change in tightness and range of motion after the first session. If symptoms are long-standing, desk-related, or linked to stress load, you’ll usually get best results from a short course of treatments close together at first, then maintenance as needed.

Common improvements clients report include:

• Less tightness and “heaviness” through the shoulders

• Easier neck movement and reduced stiffness

• Fewer tension headaches

• Better posture awareness and less recurring flare-up

• Improved sleep and calmer nervous system tone

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on how long you’ve had the issue and what’s driving it. Some people feel improvement after one session; persistent patterns often respond best to a short course.

Is this suitable for desk-related pain?
Yes — posture and screen-related tension is one of the most common reasons people book.

Do you do deep tissue for neck and shoulders?
Only if it’s appropriate for your body. Treatment is always adjusted to your tolerance and what will get results safely.

Can massage help tension headaches caused by neck pain?
Yes. Tension-type headaches are commonly linked to tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Releasing these areas and improving posture often reduces both the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Can red light therapy help?
It can be a useful add-on for circulation, recovery and calming inflammation, especially alongside manual treatment.

Life Massage is based in East Dulwich (SE22), offering calm, one-to-one care with the same therapist every visit — so your treatment plan stays consistent. If you’re dealing with persistent tension, headaches or desk-related pain, you can book online and I’ll tailor the session to what your body needs.