Hi, Sunny Sensei here — thanks for coming by the clinic.
This is the first letter the clinic is sending out in this way. The reason I write is simple: there’s a lot I want to tell patients that never fits into a session — the clinic is busy, you’re in pain, who’s taking words in anyway? So I’m writing it down here, a little at a time — read it whenever you have a moment.
Now, today’s main thing: It got properly cold this morning, and at the clinic I keep seeing patients come in rubbing their necks, stiff as anything… 😅
It reminded me of 3 things almost everyone believes about neck and shoulder pain in cold weather. Quick quiz — which one do you think is true?
One: if your neck is stiff, give it a good hard crack, that pop is what loosens it. Two: in cold weather a thick jacket is enough, bare neck is fine. Three: when it aches, total rest is best, the less you move the faster it heals.
Which did you pick? Ok let me just tell you… all 3 are wrong. And number 3 is the one most people actually do, so I saved it for near the end of this letter. Read on slowly.
Number 2 first. In the cold your body tightens up to stay warm, so the neck and shoulder muscles stay tense longer than usual. Thick jacket or not, if your neck is bare, the wind goes straight for it. So before you head out, wrap a light scarf around your neck, especially if you work outdoors, or right after a shower or waking up.
Number 1, the cracking thing. The pop feels satisfying, I know, but it doesnt loosen the muscle — thats just the joint making noise, the muscle stays tense and its stiff again tomorrow… Instead, before your shift, take about 2 minutes to roll your shoulders slowly and tilt your head gently side to side. Slow is fine, dont force it.
And number 3, the most believed one. When the ache comes from tense muscles, lying still all day just makes them weaker and stiffer. Pain doesnt automatically mean bed rest (unless its an acute phase and you were told otherwise). During your shift, now and then drop your shoulders, change position, walk a bit on your break. A warm bath in the evening, or a warm compress for 10-15 minutes, and the body feels so much lighter.
Oh, and this part matters, please remember it: if the pain lasts many days without easing, keeps getting worse, or comes with numbness or weakness in your hands, dont just handle it at home ok. Thats not ordinary tiredness anymore — you need to be checked in person. This letter is just general sharing, it cant replace a proper check for your own case.
If your neck and shoulders have been complaining these days too, just message the clinic to book — I put the button right below for you.
👉 Book with Fuji Wellness via Messenger: m.me/acupunctureintokyo
Or call our hotline: 090-8507-2507
Its cold out there, keep yourself warm a little. Well take care of the rest 😉
Sunny Sensei