The best neck and shoulder massage videos are clear, follow-along tutorials: Ann Swanson Wellness’s desk self-massage and HM Massage’s quick neck routine are our top self-massage picks, and Massage Sloth’s shoulder rub is our favourite for partners. If you have a massage ball, YouAligned and Tune Up Fitness offer easy routines for the neck and upper back.
Every pick is strictly safe for work and hand-curated. For a wider overview, see our neck and shoulder massage videos guide.
Every video below is already on The Quiet Clip. We grouped them by how you will use them: on your own at a desk, with a partner, or with a massage ball. For each one you will find what the video covers, who it suits and which creator made it.
What is the best neck and shoulder self-massage to do at a desk?
Self-Massage for Neck and Shoulder Tension at Your Desk is a calm, spoken follow-along of about 14 minutes that you can do in your chair. It starts with a posture check, then works through squeezing the upper shoulders on each side, the back of the neck and the ridge at the base of the skull, ending with a short posture reset. It suits anyone who spends long hours at a screen and wants a guided break. Video by Ann Swanson Wellness on YouTube.
Is there a quick neck massage video under five minutes?
Quick Self-Massage for a Stiff Neck fits into a coffee break. In under five minutes it covers compressing the sides of the neck, slow circles up and down, work across the base of the skull and an easy neck stretch to finish, with no tools needed. It suits busy days when you only have a moment. Video by HM Massage on YouTube.
How do you give someone a shoulder and neck rub?
How to Give a Shoulder and Neck Rub is a friendly beginner lesson of about eight minutes. It shows hand positions, working into the shoulders and alongside the spine, and using your body weight instead of tiring your thumbs, before finishing at the neck and skull with optional light tapping. It suits anyone who wants to give a partner or friend a confident, comfortable rub. Video by Massage Sloth on YouTube.
Which video goes deeper into partner neck and upper back techniques?
Neck and Upper Back Massage Techniques, Step by Step runs about eight minutes, with a physiotherapist demonstrating each step. It opens with body mechanics for the giver, then covers noticing tighter spots and working between the shoulder blades, across the trapezius and toward the neck. It suits people who have tried a basic shoulder rub and want a more structured partner sequence. Video by myPhysioSA MT Barker on YouTube.
How can you massage your upper back and neck with balls?
Upper Back and Neck Self-Massage with Balls is a short clip of under five minutes in which Jill Miller uses massage balls against the floor. She moves from the upper shoulders to the mid-back and finishes along the spine at a gentle pace. It suits people who want to work on their own upper back without a partner. Video by Tune Up Fitness on YouTube.
Is there a longer massage ball follow-along?
Back Self-Massage with a Massage Ball is an 18-minute follow-along that begins with a neck sequence and then moves through the upper spine, mid spine and hips, comparing a round ball with a spikier one. Each area has its own section, so you can skip to the neck part or do the whole routine. It suits anyone with a massage or tennis ball and a little more time. Video by YouAligned on YouTube.
Which gentle routine covers the neck, face and head?
Simple Lymphatic Massage for the Head, Face and Neck is a concise routine of under seven minutes with very light pressure. Dr. Alex Hui, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, starts at the collarbone, moves across the head and face, works down the neck and closes with a shoulder rotation. It suits people who prefer a soft touch over firm kneading. Video by Dr. Alex Hui on YouTube.
These videos are for relaxation and education, not medical advice. Keep the pressure comfortable, stop if anything feels painful, and check with a professional if you have a neck injury or health condition.
Frequently asked questions
Should I start with self-massage or a partner video?
If you are on your own, start with the quick neck routine or the desk follow-along. If someone can help, the shoulder and neck rub lesson is the easiest partner video on this list.
Do I need any tools for these videos?
The desk, quick neck, partner and head-face-neck videos need only your hands. The two ball routines need a massage ball, and a tennis ball works for the longer follow-along.
How firm should the pressure be on the neck?
Keep it light to moderate, especially at the front and sides of the neck. Every creator here works slowly, so match their pace and ease off if anything feels sharp.
