Neck, Shoulders & Back Massage

Neck, shoulders and back massage is a targeted therapeutic protocol for the back of the body — from the lumbar region up through the shoulders, neck, and base of the skull. It addresses the specific muscle patterns that build up from long hours in a seated position: forward head posture, rounded shoulders, lower back compression, that tight band of tension across the upper traps.

At Namm Massage we follow the classical Vasichkin protocol for the cervical-collar zone — the standard taught in Russian sports medicine, combined with Biryukov techniques for the back muscles. The session works systematically through five main muscle groups: trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, paraspinal muscles, and lumbar erectors. Effleurage to warm up, then friction and kneading, with focused trigger point work on the dense knots that build up at the base of the neck.

A 2020 study in Journal of Physical Therapy Science showed that tilting your head just 15° forward to look at a phone or laptop increases the effective weight on your cervical spine from 5 kg to 12 kg. Multiply that by 8 hours a day. The muscles holding you up don't get a break — they need help releasing.

This is not a generic relaxation back massage. A standard back massage spreads attention evenly across the whole back. Neck, shoulders and back massage spends the bulk of the time exactly where the desk-work load accumulates — the cervical-collar zone, between the shoulder blades, and the upper trapezius.

It is also not a chiropractic adjustment or manual therapy. We do not crack joints or perform spinal manipulations. The work is exclusively on muscle and connective tissue, using classical massage techniques.

Pressure goes deep — you will feel it — but a properly performed session never causes sharp pain or bruising. Trigger point work on tight knots may feel intense for 5–10 seconds, then releases. At Namm you choose the pressure on a 5-level scale, and you can adjust it during the session at any time.

Every session begins with a brief consultation. We ask your work setup — laptop, multiple monitors, phone use, driving — and where you feel it most. The protocol adapts to your tension map. Then a private treatment room: fresh linen, soft light, strict silence.

Stage 1 — Effleurage (warm-up). Light gliding strokes along the whole back, from sacrum to base of skull. Wakes up the receptors, prepares the tissues, settles the nervous system.

Stage 2 — Friction on the paraspinal lines. Circular and linear work along both sides of the spine, from lumbar erectors up through thoracic, to suboccipitals. Warms the deep layers, prepares for the main work.

Stage 3 — Kneading the back muscles. The main technique. Systematic capture, lift, and squeeze through the trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and lower back. Each muscle group worked longitudinally (along the fibres) and transversely (across them).

Stage 4 — Cervical-collar zone focus. The Vasichkin protocol's signature work. Targeted attention on the upper trapezius (the dense band across the top of the shoulders), the base of the neck, and the area between shoulder blades — where desk work accumulates most.

Stage 5 — Trigger point release. Sustained pressure on the dense knots that build up in the traps and rhomboids — 5 to 10 seconds, then released. This is the "ah, that's the spot" moment most guests report.

Stage 6 — Neck and suboccipital work. Gentle traction, lateral neck strokes, friction at the base of the skull. Releases tech-neck strain and pre-headache tension.

Stage 7 — Shoulder mobilization (90 and 120 min sessions). Passive shoulder rotations and stretches to restore full range of motion.

The session closes with finishing effleurage and shaking strokes to settle everything down. After — hot Thai herbal tea, cold water, and personalized posture and stretching guidance.

• Pre-session consultation — Brief talk about your work setup and tension map to tailor the protocol.
• Private, air-conditioned room — Fresh linen for every guest. Strict silence policy. 5-level adjustable pressure.
• Certified therapist — Trained in the classical Vasichkin and Biryukov protocols for the cervical-collar zone.
• Premium massage oil — Light oil that supports deep work without leaving residue.
• Hot Thai herbal tea after — Time to rest before stepping back into your day.
• Posture & stretching tips — Simple desk-side exercises to extend the effect between sessions.