Facial / Neck Massage?

[Pooter]

Everyone,

I've been the idea of getting a face / neck massage from a massage therapist.  I've noticed that areas on my neck and face are "tight" and likely would benefit from being relaxed via a massage.  Are there any downsides to doing this that I'm not aware of?  I don't want to make matters worse, but I can't imagine tight muscles in the face / neck area are helping any, not to mention they are annoying and somewhat bothersome.

Thoughts anyone?

Regards,
Brian

[FAITH40]

HEY BRIAN,

 I HAVE HAD MASSAGES SINCE MY SURGERY AND IT HAS NOT HURT ME ANY. I MASSAGE MY FACE AND NECK MYSELF AT LEAST THREE TIMES A DAY FOR THE TIGHTNESS, SO I AM DOING ALOT MORE THAN A MASSAGE THERAPIST WOULD DO. I HAVE CONTINUED PROGRESS, SO I MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! 


ENJOY YOUR MASSAGE, YOU DESERVE IT!

TAMMI

[lori67]

Brian,

Any licensed massage therapist should know any contraindications to massage, so once you tell him or her your medical history, it should be pretty clear if it's a good idea or not.  They may have to look up the info or check with someone else on it, but I'm sure they won't risk making your problems any worse.  Just make sure they know your medical history.

Lori

[Debbi]

Hey Brian-

I just posted on another thread to you, but wanted to catch you here, too.  Check out the bells palsy website for some detailed instruction on facial massage  http://www.bellspalsy.ws/exercise.htm.  I've been doing it every night for several weeks to try to loosen up the tight muscles on my cheek and forehead (and to get rid of that annoying dimple-thingie on my chin.)

Debbi

[CROOKEDSMILE]

Debbi,
I had that big dimple forming in my chin and it wasn't the looks of it that bothered me but it was uncomfortable and pulled down my mouth. I had botox in it one time and it never came back. I guess while the botox relaxed it.....the other muscles got stronger and the chin didn't feel needed anymore. Might try that if nothing else works. I also would apply deep pressure to the dimple as instructed by my therapist and this helped for the moment but it always came back. Might ask your therapist when would be a good time to try botox before those synkinetic muscles get too strong and harder to overcome.
Angie

[LADavid]

Hey Brian

That's what my physical therapist has been focusing on.  She massages my neck -- apparently it is tied to vestibular issues and helps with balance.  And as part of my synkinesis therapy, she massages my face to help get the muscles to relax.  She is also big on using wet heat on my face to ease the tension.  At home I use an herbal neck wrap that I heat up by throwing in the microwave for a few minutes.  I think as long as anything isn't exagerated in movement, you're fine.

David

[MAlegant]

Hey Brian,
I've been getting massage therapy weekly for about 6 weeks now.  He works my entire body as well as face/neck.  It has made a big difference in how I feel; physically as well as emotionally.  Asked one of my neurosurgeons about massaging the scar specifically and he said to go for it.  So there you have it!
Marci

[Pooter]

Thanks for the information all!  Whever there is time, then I may just sign up for one.  I'm just toying with the idea for now.

Thanks,
Brian