A stiff neck, heavy shoulders and a tight upper back after a full day at a screen: should you choose a firm massage that feels intense, or start with lighter pressure and build up gradually?
The answer is not about which one is “stronger”. It depends on your body that day, the pressure you prefer and the kind of care that feels most comfortable. Some people like clear pressure and the controlled use of elbows, while others relax better with gentle hand techniques.
This article compares Jai Chan’s two neck and shoulder massages and explains when it is better to skip a massage and see a doctor or physiotherapist first.
What is office syndrome?
“Office syndrome” is a popular term for discomfort in the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades and back that often comes with sitting in the same position, using a computer or phone for long periods, a workstation that does not fit your body, or rarely changing position.
Thailand’s Department of Medical Services notes that slouching, looking down, pushing the head forward, raising the shoulders, and using a mouse, keyboard or phone in the same position for long periods are factors found alongside neck, shoulder and back symptoms (Department of Medical Services, in Thai).
However, “office syndrome” should not be used to diagnose yourself, because pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness can have other causes that need to be checked by a professional. This article uses the term to describe everyday tension from work routines, not to suggest that everyone with these feelings has the same condition.
What role does wellness massage play?
Wellness massage at Jai Chan is meant for rest and for the experience of caring for your body. It is not a diagnosis or treatment for office syndrome, and it should not replace a well-set-up workstation, changing position, exercise, or advice from doctors and physiotherapists.
A 2024 Cochrane review brought together 33 studies of massage for neck pain, with 1,994 participants, and concluded that most of the evidence is of low certainty. For subacute and chronic neck pain, massage may make little or no difference compared with sham massage at around 12 weeks of follow-up (Gross et al., 2024).
That research looked at many techniques, patient groups and types of service, and did not test Jai Chan’s treatments directly. It is a reminder that massage should be described as a relaxing experience, not a promise to treat a medical condition.
Before you choose, ask yourself three questions
1. How much pressure do you want today?
If you are used to firm massage and like clear pressure, you might consider Deep Release. If you are sensitive to pressure, new to massage, or want to rest without bracing against the pressure, Royal Shoulder & Neck offers a gentler touch.
2. Do you want to focus on the neck and shoulders, or include your head too?
Both treatments focus on the neck, shoulders and upper back. If your main wish is to rest your whole head and senses, you might choose a programme that includes a head spa.
3. Are there signs that a professional should check first?
If you have radiating pain, numbness, weakness, an injury or unusually severe symptoms, stop massage for now and get assessed by a doctor or physiotherapist. Do not increase the pressure to see whether the symptoms go away.
Comparing two neck and shoulder massages
| Detail | Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage | Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Firm | Light to medium |
| Main technique | Focused pressure and controlled use of the elbows | Hand techniques, no elbows |
| What it feels like | Clear pressure, focused on the neck, shoulders and upper back | Gentle rhythms, for unhurried rest |
| Best for | People who are used to and enjoy firm massage | People who prefer lighter pressure, are new to massage or do not want elbows used |
| 60 mins | THB 890 | THB 690 |
| 120 mins | THB 1,490 | THB 1,290 |
More pressure does not mean better, and pain is not a measure of massage quality. Tell your therapist straight away if the pressure is too much, or if you feel numb, dizzy or uncomfortable during the treatment.
If you like clear pressure: Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage
Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage is designed for people who are used to firm massage and want to focus on the neck, shoulders and upper back.
The therapist uses focused pressure with controlled use of the elbows, so the treatment feels firmer and more defined than the Royal. Before you begin, say how much pressure you want and any areas where you would rather not have pressure.
60 mins · THB 890
120 mins · THB 1,490
This treatment is not suitable for trying out massage over an area that is injured, swollen or inflamed, or where you have numbness or weakness that has not yet been assessed.
If you like a gentle touch: Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage
Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage uses light to medium pressure and hand techniques without elbows. It suits people who want to start with comfortable pressure, do not enjoy firm massage, or want to rest gradually.
The massage focuses on continuous rhythms and gentle touch, with a floral herbal balm. You can ask for the pressure to be adjusted at any time; there is no need to put up with pressure that feels uncomfortable.
60 mins · THB 690
120 mins · THB 1,290
Choose a balm by the scent and feel you prefer
Both treatments offer a choice of two balms. Choose by the atmosphere you want, not by treatment claims.
Jai Chan Signature Jasmine Energizer
A fresh jasmine scent, for anyone who likes a clear floral note and a lively atmosphere.
Mok Floral Therapy Balm
A softer, warmer scent of mok flower (Wrightia religiosa), for anyone who prefers a gentle floral note while they rest.
If you are allergic to fragrance, balms or essential oils, or your skin is easily irritated, please tell the team before the treatment begins.
If you want your rest to extend to your head
For an experience that brings together care for the head, neck, shoulders and senses, ASMR Regal Thai Upper Harmony is a 90-minute ritual combining an upper-body massage, a Thai-style head spa, a water ritual and a jasmine tea hair rinse.
This programme suits anyone who wants a longer rest and enjoys sound, water, warmth and hair care. It is not designed to treat headaches or neurological conditions.
Firmer does not mean more suitable
Many people believe a massage has to hurt to be worth it, but too much pressure can make you tense up and stop you resting properly. Choose your pressure based on comfort, your past experience of massage and how your body feels that day.
- Start lighter than you think, then increase when you feel comfortable
- Ask your therapist to reduce the pressure straight away; there is no need to wait until the end of a move
- If there are areas you do not want touched or worked with elbows, say so before you start
- Do not take pain during a massage as proof that your muscles are being treated
When to see a doctor or physiotherapist before a massage
Skip massage for now and seek professional advice if you have any of the following:
- Sudden severe pain, or pain that started after a fall, accident or impact
- Pain radiating down the arm with numbness, weakness, difficulty gripping or often dropping things
- Problems with balance, walking, or coordination of the hands and feet
- Fever, swelling, redness, heat, an open wound or a suspected infection in the area to be massaged
- Symptoms that continue, get worse, disturb your sleep or affect daily life
Thailand’s Department of Medical Services notes that neck and shoulder pain radiating to the fingertips, or accompanied by numbness and weakness, may be related to nerve compression and should be examined to find the cause (Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, in Thai).
Look after yourself during the day, before tension builds
One massage cannot make up for sitting in the same position all week, so small changes during the day still matter.
- Set your screen at a height where you do not need to look down or push your head forward for long periods
- Give your back and feet firm support, and keep your mouse and keyboard close enough that you do not need to reach
- Change position, walk or move your shoulders regularly, rather than trying to hold one “correct” posture all day
- Raise your phone to a more comfortable height and switch hands during long use
- Rest your eyes and notice whether you are lifting your shoulders or clenching your jaw without realising
If discomfort keeps coming back, a physiotherapist can assess your posture and movement and suggest an approach that suits you.
Frequently asked questions about office syndrome and massage
Can massage treat office syndrome?
That should not be claimed. Wellness massage is a relaxation service, not a diagnosis or treatment for any condition. If you have pain, numbness, weakness or recurring symptoms, have a doctor or physiotherapist assess the cause first.
Should I choose Deep Release or Royal Shoulder & Neck?
Choose Deep Release if you are used to firm pressure and want clear pressure. Choose Royal Shoulder & Neck if you prefer light to medium pressure, do not want elbows used, or are new to massage.
Does a painful massage work better?
No. Pain does not confirm that a treatment is working on your muscles. Choose a level of pressure at which you can still breathe comfortably, stay relaxed and talk to your therapist throughout.
How often should I have a massage?
There is no single frequency that suits everyone, because the purpose of wellness massage is rest. If you feel you need massage more and more often to cope with the same symptoms, or they are getting worse, it is time to stop rebooking and get an assessment from a health professional.
Can I have a massage if I am pregnant or have a health condition?
Please tell the team before booking about pregnancy, health conditions, medication, and recent surgery or injury, so they can consider whether the service is suitable. If you are unsure, check with your doctor first.
Treatments in this article
- Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage — 60 mins THB 890 · 120 mins THB 1,490
- Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage — 60 mins THB 690 · 120 mins THB 1,290
- ASMR Regal Thai Upper Harmony — 90 mins
References and advertising guidelines
- Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Health massage shops and spas: advertising correctly (in Thai). Read the guidelines
- Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Beating office syndrome: a way out for working people in the digital age (in Thai). Read the article
- Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, Thailand. Neck and shoulder pain that may be related to nerve compression (in Thai). Read the article
- Gross AR, Lee H, Ezzo J, et al. Massage for neck pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2024;2:CD004871. PubMed · Full text
Choose the pressure that fits the day your body needs a rest
There is no need to wait until you are very tense, or to always choose the firmest programme. The right massage is one where you can speak up, feel safe and never have to put up with the pressure.
If you like clear pressure, start with Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage. If you would like a softer touch, Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage may suit you better. If you are not sure, the team can explain the difference between the two before your treatment begins.
Jai Chan is on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery, Bangkok.