Closed · opens today at 08:00 Mixed
Mixed
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam Ritual +1
Venues offering Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
A localised massage focusing on muscle tension in the back, neck and shoulders, shorter than a full-body massage, with only the upper body uncovered. 20 venues listed.
20 venues found
Closed · opens today at 07:00 Mixed
Mixed
Swedish MassageMassages +1
from₺1,250 · ≈ €23
Closed · opens today at 12:00
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 09:00
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 08:00
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 10:00
MassagesDeep Tissue MassageSports Massage
Closed · opens today at 11:00
Turkish BathKese ScrubFoam Massage
Mixed
Mixed
Thermal PoolTurkish Bath +1
Closed · opens today at 09:00 Separate sections
Separate sections
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam Ritual +1
Couples' MassageAromatherapy MassageHot Stone Massage
Closed · opens today at 09:30 Separate sections
Separate sections
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam Ritual +1
Turkish BathKese ScrubFoam Massage
Separate sections
Separate sections
Thermal PoolTraditional Hammam Ritual +1
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Medical MassageSwedish MassageAromatherapy Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Medical MassageSwedish MassageAromatherapy Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Swedish MassageSports MassageMedical Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Swedish MassageMedical MassageAromatherapy Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Medical MassageSwedish MassageAromatherapy Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Medical MassageSwedish MassageAromatherapy Massage
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What is Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage?
Back, neck and shoulder massage is a localised massage that focuses only on the upper part of the body and targets the muscle groups where tension is most often felt. It is shorter than a full-body massage and only requires the upper body to be uncovered. On spa menus it may also appear as back massage or localised massage.
How is back, neck and shoulder massage done?
Most of a back, neck and shoulder massage is done face down, with your face resting in the opening in the table. The therapist starts with long strokes that warm the back with oil; then the muscles on either side of the spine, the area around the shoulder blades and the tops of the shoulders are worked with kneading and finger pressure. The neck is usually dealt with at the end of the session, face up, with gentle movements while the therapist's hands support your head. Pressure is discussed at the start of the session; both a light relaxation massage and slow, deep work can be done within this framework.
Duration
Back, neck and shoulder massage usually lasts 20-45 minutes; 30-minute sessions are common. Because it is short, it can be taken on its own during a break from work or added after a treatment such as a hammam or sauna. If the tension also spreads to your lower back and legs, a full-body massage makes better use of your time.
Who is it for, and who should avoid it?
Back, neck and shoulder massage is a frequent choice for people who work at a computer for long hours, spend time hunched over their phones, carry heavy bags or feel stress-related tension in their shoulders. It is also an easier start than a full-body massage for those having a massage for the first time. It may help reduce muscle tension and the stiffness that comes with it; the effect is temporary, and the tension may return unless postural habits change.
In the following cases this massage is not given, or a doctor's approval is needed first:
- Pain spreading into the arm, numbness, tingling or loss of strength in the arm
- A herniated disc in the neck or a recent neck injury
- Sudden severe headache, dizziness or visual disturbance; these symptoms call for a doctor rather than a massage
- Illness with fever, an open wound or infection on the skin, uncontrolled blood pressure
- Osteoporosis, a history of thrombosis and recent surgery
In pregnancy the face-down position may not be suitable, so consult your doctor; pregnancy massage, given lying on your side, is designed for this period.
How it differs from similar massages
Back, neck and shoulder massage applies the techniques used in full-body massages, concentrated on the upper body. Services offered under similar names differ in scope and purpose:
| Massage | Area worked | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Back, neck and shoulder massage | Back, shoulder blades, shoulders, neck | Muscle tension in the upper body |
| Head, neck and shoulder massage | Scalp, neck, shoulders | Relaxation around the head and neck |
| Deep tissue massage | Whole body or a chosen area | Slow, deep pressure for chronic tension |
| Medical massage | The source of the complaint and the area around it | Assessment-based work aimed at the complaint |
| Swedish massage | Whole body | General relaxation |
Questions to ask before your appointment
When making an appointment for back, neck and shoulder massage, asking the following makes it easier for the session to match what you expect:
- Does the session cover only the back, neck and shoulders, or does it extend to the head and arms?
- How many minutes does it last, and can the pressure be adjusted to your preference?
- If you have a diagnosed neck or back condition, is the therapist experienced with it?
- Can you choose the therapist's gender?
- Is use of facilities such as the hammam or sauna included in the price? For the factors that set the price, see the guide to massage and spa prices.
Frequently asked questions about Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
Is it normal for my neck to be cracked during a massage?
No, cracking the neck vertebrae with a sudden movement is not part of a massage. Such manipulations are done only by authorised health professionals, after an examination and when considered necessary. If you do not want such a movement during the session, tell the therapist at the start.
Does back, neck and shoulder massage ease tension-type headaches?
It may bring a sense of relief with headaches that come with neck and shoulder tension, but not every headache is caused by muscle tension. For headaches that recur often or keep getting worse, see a doctor before having a massage. Massage is not a treatment that removes the cause of a headache.
Can back, neck and shoulder massage be done seated?
Yes, some venues give this massage on a special massage chair, with you fully clothed. Chair massage usually uses no oil, and pressure is applied through your clothes with the palms, fingers and forearms. If the tension is pronounced, a session on the table with oil allows more detailed work.
How is back, neck and shoulder massage adapted for a herniated disc in the neck?
A doctor's approval is needed first; if it is given, deep pressure on the neck and forceful stretching and twisting movements are avoided. The work is directed more at the shoulder and back muscles, and the pressure is kept light. Tell the therapist about your diagnosis and your doctor's recommendations before the session.
Can you go back to work after a back, neck and shoulder massage?
Yes; because it is short and covers only the upper body, you can carry on with your day after the session. To keep oil off your clothes, you can ask for your back to be wiped at the end of the session, or ask whether cream can be used instead of oil. If deep pressure was used, avoiding heavy lifting on the same day will keep you more comfortable.
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