We often don’t realize how much our breathing habits affect our bodies. Sitting for long periods can cause the muscles between our ribs to become cramped, and our neck and shoulder muscles to take on more work. But there’s a simple solution: Diaphragmatic Breathing!

Modern life can leave us in positions that pull our heads and shoulders forward, creating discomfort in our neck, back, and shoulders. But don’t worry! There are simple ways to counteract this.

In our tech-driven world, we spend a lot of time looking down, which can lead to what’s known as “forward head posture.” This posture causes the muscles in the front of your neck and shoulders to tighten and the muscles in the back of your neck and upper back to overwork. Over time, this imbalance can lead to discomfort and even pain.

Importantly, trauma-informed massage does not involve reliving or discussing past traumatic events. Instead, it focuses on gently and respectfully tracking sensations in the body as tension is released. This ensures that tension is not released too aggressively, which could cause the body to revert to its protective holding pattern.