Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

Winter 2025 • 61

AMTA Continuing Education

Here, you’ll find a series of case studies based on common presentations of tech neck syndrome. Each case encourages you to think critically about assessment, treatment planning and aftercare strategies. Before reading the example answers, take time to explore your own ideas, including what questions you would ask, what areas you would focus on, what techniques you would use and how you would structure follow up. To deepen your learning, consider partnering with a colleague to role-play the case study scenarios. Take turns playing the role of practitioner and client. Practice conducting an intake, proposing a treatment strategy and offering aftercare recommendations based on what you’ve learned. This kind of peer-based practice helps reinforce your skills and prepares you for real-life application. Additionally, recognizing common pitfalls in tech neck treatment can help you avoid setbacks and deliver more effective care. Here are a few examples to keep in mind as you read the following case studies and consider your own approach with your clients: • Pitfall : Focusing only on the neck without addressing lower-body involvement. • Solution : Include assessment and treatment of the hips and glutes to support postural

integrity through the full kinetic chain. • Pitfall : Giving ergonomic recommendations without follow up. Solution : Schedule check-ins or include follow-up guidance to help clients refine their home and work setups over time. • Pitfall : Overlooking the impact of stress on physical symptoms. Solution : Encourage clients to explore appropriate self-care strategies like breath awareness or relaxation practices. Or, refer to a qualified wellness or mental health professional when needed.

Case Study 1: Postural Imbalance and Lower Body Dysfunction Client profile: A 42-year-old client presents with chronic neck pain, frequent headaches and

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upper back tension. The client works from home and spends 8–10 hours a day seated at a desk. Despite regular stretching and ergonomic adjustments, the client continues to experience pain. Develop a treatment plan: Based on the client’s profile, create a treatment plan that addresses both musculoskeletal and lifestyle factors.

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