Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

Winter 2025 • 63

Proper intake helps both you and your client decide what techniques and self-care strategies will help relieve tech neck symptoms.

trigger points contributing to numbness. • Self-care recommendations : Recommend stretches for the forearms, neck and upper back. Incorporate stress-relieving activities such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises. • Ergonomic adjustments : Encourage the use of an adjustable chair, proper monitor height and ergonomic keyboard placement to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders. • Referral : Refer to a mindfulness coach for stress management or a physical therapist for strengthening exercises to support posture. Activity 2: Identifying When to Refer Scenario: A client presents with significant neck pain, along with symptoms of anxiety and difficulty sleeping. The client mentions feeling overwhelmed by work and is seeking relief. Your task : Decide what you can directly do for the client and when and where you might need to refer out. • What aspects of the client’s care can you provide directly? • Which professionals would you refer the client to, such as a mental health counselor, mindfulness coach or yoga therapist? • How will you explain your reasoning behind the referrals to your client?

Example Answer: • Direct care : Provide manual therapy to relieve muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Educate the client on relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, to reduce physical tension. • Referral : Refer the client to a mental health counselor to address underlying anxiety and a mindfulness coach for sleep improvement and stress reduction. This holistic approach can help your client better manage both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Scenario: A 38-year-old client spends a lot of time working in a standing position but still experiences tech neck symptoms. The client has weak glutes and tight calves, which seem to be contributing to a misaligned posture. Your task : Develop a treatment plan that addresses both the lower body issues and tech neck symptoms. • What exercises and stretches would you recommend to improve posture? • What ergonomic adjustments would you suggest for standing work? • What manual therapy techniques could be used to support the client? Activity 3: Ergonomics and Lower Body Integration

Meeko Media / Shutterstock.com

amtamassage.org/mtj