💆‍♀️ Shoulder tension: physical therapy does not solve it!

That stiff neck after hours behind your laptop. That nagging tension between your shoulder blades after a long day. Sound familiar? Then a visit to the physiotherapist is often the first thing that comes to mind. And let's be honest: a massage feels like pure pampering. But... is it also the solution?

Massage works—but for how long?

I dove into the scientific literature, and guess what?

✅ Massage works great for instant relaxation.

✅ Many people feel better immediately after a session.

❗️ But: when it comes to lasting relief, massage alone is often not enough.

And no, that's not (only) your physiotherapist's fault. They'll probably also give you exercises. But be honest: how often do they actually top your to-do list?

The numbers don't lie

According to Nivel , in 2023, no fewer than 1,847,900 people were known to their GP with neck and back complaints. And a Dutch study among 533 workers with neck and shoulder complaints showed that 36% had to report sick in a period of two years. These are serious numbers.

So… what is the solution?

Massage is a great first step—a reset for your body. But if the cause of your tension remains, you will remain stuck in a vicious circle. The real key? Insight.

👉 When does your body build up tension?

👉 What are the triggers at work or in your daily life?

More and more people are using a smartwatch or app to gain insight into moments of stress. And guess what? Muscle tension often has less to do with your posture than we think, and more to do with how you deal with stress and emotions.

Time for a different approach

If stress is the underlying cause, you may need a specialist other than your physiotherapist. Because only when you learn to deal with the cause, there is room for real, lasting relaxation.