This article was co-authored by Elexis Mendez and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Elexis Mendez is a licensed massage therapist based in Portland, Oregon. With over 5 years of experience, Elexis is the lead massage therapist at Zama Massage Therapeutic Spa. She specializes in a variety of techniques, including Thai massage, Ashiatsu, deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point therapy, gua sha, and cupping. Elexis completed an 800-hour massage therapy program and received her massage therapy license from East-West College of the Healing Arts in Portland. In 2024, she also became a licensed esthetician.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you follow any beauty influencers on social media, you've probably seen more and more jade rollers popping up in your feed in the past couple of years. A lot of people use jade rollers on their faces to help reduce puffiness and soothe their skin, but you may have also seen people rolling their necks. If you've wondered what that's all about and how you should do it (or even whether it's a good idea), you're in luck—we're here to clear things up for you!
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat are your tips for giving a relaxing neck massage?
Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFPRebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct ProfessorExpert AnswerCreating the right setting and using good techniques is key for a relaxing neck massage. Start with a calming ambiance — dim lights, soft music. Use a massage oil that won't irritate, and always start gently. Focus on tight areas, especially around the shoulders. Keep a steady pace as you massage and pay attention to their comfort. After, have them do some gentle stretches to further relax the muscles. Communication matters — check in that they're okay with the pressure and techniques. The goal is to help them fully unwind, so be attentive and ask for feedback. With the right mood and approach, you can give an amazing, soothing neck massage.
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about massages, check out our in-depth interview with Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP.
References
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/gua-sha-jade-roller-how-to-use
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/jade-rollers-face-benefits-669078
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28792316/jade-rollers-benefit/
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/jade-rollers-face-benefits-669078
- ↑ Elexis Mendez. Massage Therapist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.glam.com/beauty/benefits-of-jade-rolling-how-it-works/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28792316/jade-rollers-benefit/
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/jade-rollers-face-benefits-669078
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
- ↑ https://www.glam.com/beauty/benefits-of-jade-rolling-how-it-works/
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/gua-sha-jade-roller-how-to-use
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/gua-sha-jade-roller-how-to-use
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28792316/jade-rollers-benefit/
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ Elexis Mendez. Massage Therapist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229918306423?via%3Dihub
- ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/jade-rollers-face-benefits-669078
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html












