It's really common to hold stress in our neck and shoulders, I sure do!! This sounds cheesy and simple, but what do you think about envisioning a relaxing, peaceful place? It's a little bit difficult if you're trying to be relaxed while you are doing something like PT, it's different than just sitting in a chair or lying in bed. Can you close your eyes an envision the muscles relaxing? Just some thoughts, sorry if they're not helpful.

Well Reds!! That's a fine howdy-do. His hands wrapped around your neck saying, "Relax your neck. COME ON RELAX YOUR NECK. GIRL YOU GONNA RELAX YOUR DAM NECK IF I HAVE TO DIE TRYING!!"

Whoa!! Great massage therapist.

I have found in these type situations, if I stand up strait and tall, take a DEEP cleansing breath and then shout as loud as I can, "STFU" at the offender - yeah that helps me relax some.

I had a similar experience.

My sister paid for a full body massage for a gift for me .

I was so tense when the massage person { I can't spell massuse ? }

Every where she put her hands I just tensed up more.

Like Lily said...maybe your body just isn't wired to accept other hands on you ? Especially around your neck ?

I do breathing techniques, breathing into an area of my body and breathing tension out.

I have cervical spondylosis and bone spurs in my neck which is why I have to do the therapy. Lol I know he should understand why I'm so tense there. I'm doing it to hopefully avoid surgery. My neck is the first thing to tense up when I'm nervous or anxious.

Maybe let him know...or see if you can find a better fit. Sometimes pt and clients are a bit mismatched. I can understand the guarding behavior. it's pretty natural, so you think he would know w/o comment.