21/04/2025
If your shoulders are always creeping up around your ears and tension headaches are making it hard to focus, you’re not alone.
These are some of the most common things I’ve supported clients with over the years—and also some of the most misunderstood. Whether you’re a massage therapist wanting to help your clients more effectively, or someone struggling with tension yourself, here’s what you should know:
1. It’s not just muscular—it’s often nervous system-related.
Chronic tension usually means the body is stuck in fight-or-flight. Unless we calm the nervous system, the muscles just tighten back up again.
2. The jaw and pelvis are often part of the picture.
Tension loves to travel in patterns. If you’re releasing neck and shoulder tension but ignoring the jaw or pelvic floor, you're missing a key piece.
3. Trigger points in the suboccipitals, traps, and SCM can mimic migraines.
Learning how to work gently and specifically in these areas is game-changing—for you and your clients.
4. Deep isn’t always better.
Working with the tissue instead of bulldozing it gets better, longer-lasting results—and is less exhausting for the therapist.
5. Posture matters—but so does emotion.
Unprocessed stress, grief, or even people-pleasing patterns often show up in the body as chronic tightness. This is where bodywork and emotional awareness go hand in hand.
6. Hydration and magnesium are underrated magic.
Simple, but powerful. Dehydration and low magnesium levels can increase muscle tension and headaches dramatically.
7. You don’t have to live like this.
Whether you’re the one in pain or the one holding space for others, there are ways to work that actually feel good—gentle, effective, and sustainable.
If you want to learn how to support your clients (or yourself) with tension and headaches in a more holistic, somatic way please join one of my upcoming workshops or get in touch for more options.