Knot Your Average Pain Relief
A Chronic Pain Recovery Session Restores Us
If you’ve ever felt like your shoulders were carrying the weight of the world – whether it’s lingering discomfort from an old injury, years of poor posture catching up with you, or that nagging feeling like your body just won’t cooperate anymore – you’re not alone. That familiar tightness in your neck, the dull ache between your shoulder blades, and even those headaches that creep in after a long day are all too common.
After weeks of battling a neck that refused to turn without protest and shoulders that felt permanently hunched, I decided it was time to do something about it. That’s how I found myself at The Healing Balm Holistic Wellness Spa, ready to try the Chronic Pain Recovery treatment: a 90-minute session priced at $175, crafted to release tension and alleviate pain.
The session began with an intake form, where I outlined my history of neck and shoulder pain. My therapist explained that every session is tailored to the client, ensuring no two treatments are never the same. “We want to make sure we’re giving your body what it needs today,” she said as she reviewed my answers and asked follow-up questions. Her thoroughness reassured me that this wasn’t going to be a cookie-cutter massage; it was designed to address the specific discomfort I’d been carrying for far too long.
Once I was guided into the treatment room, I was greeted by the soothing warmth of the massage bed. Soft, calming melodies played in the background, creating a relaxing ambiance that made it easier to focus on letting go of my tension.
Left: Massage oils to reduce muscle tension.
Right: Gua sha stones used to scrape the skin with pressure to stimulate blood circulation.
The massage began with my neck and shoulders, with my massage therapist using a combination of firm pressure and fluid movements, pressing into my knots with enough intensity to feel effective without being overwhelming. As she worked on my upper back, where I’d been feeling persistent discomfort, her technique became even more purposeful, targeting specific areas that needed attention. She checked in with me frequently to ensure the pressure was just right.
Next came Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicinal tool that’s used to improve circulation. My masseuse held the tool at an angle, applying steady, gliding motions that followed the natural lines of my muscles. The sensation was firm but not harsh, and I could feel the tension easing little by little with each pass. By the time she finished, the stiffness in my neck and shoulders was noticeably better, and I could finally move my head without the usual resistance I’d grown accustomed to.
It’s easy to forget how much our bodies put up with on a daily basis until they start pushing back in ways we can’t ignore. Walking out, I knew I’d be back to give my shoulders the attention they clearly deserve – and maybe next time, I’ll try the Recovery Stretch Therapy add-on.
The Healing Balm
Holistic Wellness Spa
3081 Salzedo St #200
786.657.8698
Thbwellness.com
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