Study Confirms: Massage Therapy Offers Long-Lasting Relief for Neck Pain

If you're living with chronic neck pain, you’ve likely tried everything from over-the-counter medications to stretching routines—often with only short-term relief. But what if a natural, non-invasive treatment could significantly reduce your pain for months?

A groundbreaking 2025 study from the Richard Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University has confirmed what many massage therapy clients already know: massage therapy isn’t just for temporary relief—it offers long-term results.
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At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, FL, we specialize in therapeutic massage techniques that target neck pain, using evidence-based practices to help our clients manage pain, restore function, and live more comfortably.

Study Overview: Massage Therapy Reduces Neck Pain for Up to 6 Months

Published in the journal Pain Medicine on August 28, 2025, this clinical trial involved 290 Veterans experiencing chronic neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either:

1. A waitlist control group, or
2. A massage therapy group that received hour-long professional therapeutic massages twice weekly for three months.

Researchers followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment ended, assessing neck pain and disability.

Key Findings:

• After 3 months, participants who received massage therapy had their neck pain scores reduced by an average of 3 points on the standard disability index.
• At the 6-month mark, participants still maintained a 1-point improvement—even without ongoing massage therapy during that time.
• The study strongly supports massage therapy as a non-pharmacological, practical, and effective approach to managing chronic neck pain.

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“These results show that consistent massage therapy can have a sustained impact on neck pain—without the risks of medications or invasive procedures,” said the research team.

What This Means for You & Your Neck

​If you’re dealing with chronic neck stiffness, tension, or pain, this study is great news. It means that massage therapy isn't just a short-term fix—it can have long-lasting benefits, especially when done consistently over time.

At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, our experienced therapists offer targeted massage treatments that can:

• Release muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Improve posture and reduce strain from tech use (“tech neck”)
• Relieve trigger points and knots
• Increase circulation for faster healing
• Improve your quality of sleep and daily comfort

Why Choose Massage Therapy Over Medication?

​Pain medications—including NSAIDs and opioids—can come with serious side effects when used long-term, including:

• Digestive problems
• Dependency and addiction risk
• Reduced effectiveness over time

Massage therapy, on the other hand, offers a natural, drug-free solution for managing chronic pain. It's non-invasive, low-risk, and now scientifically shown to provide benefits that last well beyond the treatment period.

Techniques Used to Treat Neck Pain at The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, FL

​Our team customizes every session to meet your needs. For clients struggling with neck pain, we often use a combination of techniques such as:
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1. Trigger Point Therapy - Releases tight “knots” in the neck and shoulder muscles that refer pain to other areas of the body.
2. Myofascial Release - Targets the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles—to release long-held tension that contributes to stiffness and pain.
3. Deep Tissue Massage - Addresses deeper layers of muscle tissue to break up chronic tension patterns and restore mobility.
4. Swedish Massage (Modified for Pain Relief) - Gentle yet effective strokes to promote relaxation, boost circulation, and lower stress that can contribute to muscle tightness.
5. Craniosacral Therapy - A subtle, hands-on technique that can help reduce tension at the base of the skull and throughout the neck, often helpful for migraines and TMJ as well.

Each massage session is tailored to your body, your pain points, and your goals.

The Importance of Consistency in Massage Therapy

One of the takeaways from the study is the importance of ongoing treatment to maintain results. While pain scores stayed lower even after treatments stopped, the researchers suggest that continuing massage therapy periodically may help sustain or even improve those results over time.
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At The Wellness Hub, we recommend creating a personalized massage schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions depending on your pain level and goals.
We also offer massage packages and wellness plans to make consistent care affordable and accessible for our Jacksonville community.

Who Can Benefit from Neck Pain Massage?

Massage therapy is suitable for nearly anyone experiencing:

• Chronic or acute neck pain
• "Tech neck" from prolonged phone or computer use
• Tension headaches
• Whiplash or previous neck injuries
• Poor posture or occupational strain
• Stress-related muscle tension

If you’re unsure whether massage is right for you, our team is happy to consult with you and customize an approach that works. Don't hesitate to search for "massage near me" and book your appointment today.

Book Your Neck Pain Relief Massage Today in Jacksonville, FL

​Science now backs what our clients have long known--massage therapy works, and its benefits can last long after your session ends. At The Wellness Hub, we combine expertise, compassion, and proven techniques to help you move, feel, and live better.




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We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond.

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