Top 5 Conditions I see most in clinic and how Massage can help

Written by Bethany Wynn, Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist

As a clinical massage therapist, I work with a wide range of clients—each carrying their own story, pain history, and physical patterns. But over the years, certain conditions come up more often than others. Below are the five I see most frequently in my clinic—and how targeted Clinical massage therapy can make a lasting difference.

1. Chronic Stress & Tension

How it could show up in the body:

Tight neck and shoulder muscles, jaw clenching and ache, shallow breathing, low-grade headaches, or an overall feeling of physical heaviness or fatigue. It could also show tightness into the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles in-between the ribs.

How massage helps:

Massage works directly with the nervous system. Through calming, intentional touch, I help guide clients from a fight-or-flight state into rest-and-digest mode. I focus on techniques that activate the parasympathetic system, reduce cortisol levels, and allow the body to reset. Over time, massage becomes a powerful tool in managing the physical and emotional effects of long-term stress. Thinking about the root cause of the tension.

2. Chronic Headaches & Migraines

How it may show up in the body:

Persistent head pressure, pain behind the eyes, tightness at the base of the skull, or tension radiating from the neck and jaw. Ringing in ears, dizziness, fatigue or that sense of lack of concentration.

How massage helps:

I use a combination of soft tissue release around the head, neck, jaw (TMJ), and upper shoulders to reduce muscular tension and improve blood flow. Cranial work and myofascial release can ease compression and reduce frequency and severity of headaches. For migraine sufferers, gentle and consistent treatment often becomes part of a broader management plan.

3. Chronic Non-Specific Lower Back Pain

How it may show up in the body:

A dull ache in the lower back that lingers for weeks or months, often flaring up with prolonged sitting, standing, or what we sometimes think is ‘poor posture’ It may also show up with tightness else where into the glutes, hamstrings and quadricep muscles.

How massage helps:

Massage can break the cycle of tension and pain in the lumbar region. I assess and treat the surrounding structures—like the glutes, hip flexors, and thoracolumbar fascia—to restore balance and mobility. By improving circulation and releasing deep muscular tension, we often see both short-term relief and long-term improvement with consistent care.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

How it may show up in the body:

Sharp, ache pain in the heel or arch—especially during the first steps in the morning or after standing for long periods. Pain around the heel of the foot, into the base of the foot and up into the achilles.

How massage helps:

Treatment includes focused work on the foot’s fascia, calves, and even the hamstrings—because plantar fasciitis is often the result of a chain reaction in the kinetic chain. I use deep tissue and cross-fiber friction techniques to release tension in the fascia and stimulate healing. Clients often notice improved foot mobility and reduced pain within a few sessions.

5. Shoulder & Neck Tension (Text Neck/Desk Posture)

How it may show up in the body:

Tight, stiff shoulders, a “crunched” neck, limited range of motion, or a feeling of pressure at the base of the skull or between the shoulder blades. Headaches can also be within the pain patterns associated with shoulder and neck tension.

How massage helps:

I address muscular imbalances in the upper back, neck, chest, and shoulders using tripper point work and soft tissue work. I also offer movement advice to complement massage therapy, helping clients break the cycle of recurring tension.

Final Thoughts

Every person is unique, and so is their pain. As a clinical massage therapist, my job isn’t just to relieve symptoms—it’s to understand the why behind them, and tailor treatment accordingly. If you're struggling with any of the conditions above, I’d be happy to help you find relief and move forward with confidence.

Chronic pain shows up differently in every body and your symptoms can look different to the next persons. Please reach out if you would like further support. I help support a variety of chronic pain conditions, so even though they may not be listed here, please do reach out and have that conversation with me.