Conditions We Treat
Massage for Forward Head Posture Realignment in NYC
Forward head posture isn’t just a “tech neck” problem — it affects your entire body. Our licensed medical massage therapists help restore balance from the feet upward, realigning your spine and reducing strain in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Available in FiDi & Midtown West – open 7 days a week
Causes
What’s Going On With Forward Head Posture?
- Forward head posture (FHP) develops when the head shifts in front of the shoulders, overloading the neck, upper back, and shoulder stabilizers causing chronic neck pain and upper-back tension.
- Even a small forward drift matters: one inch ahead of neutral can double the load on the neck (Spine-health; Hansraj, 2014), a common pattern with desk and device use.
- Tight pecs, scalenes, diaphragm, and upper traps — paired with weak deep-neck flexors and serratus anterior — make upright posture hard to maintain. Lower-body issues can also push the head forward.
At Bodyworks DW, we approach FHP as a whole-body alignment pattern. We reorganize the kinetic chain so your head can return to center without constant effort. Our therapists use the same evidence-informed techniques taught in our Head, Neck & Jaw CEU course, restoring balance across the neck, shoulders, ribs, and jaw.
Related conditions: See also our Neck Pain, Upper Back Pain, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome pages.
How we treat
How Bodyworks DW Treats Forward Head Posture
Forward head posture is accompanied by a set of hinges in all of the major joint planes including the knees, hips, mid back, base of the anterior neck, and the base of the skull as you can see in the before image on the left. After releasing each of those hinges, the head sits much more easily on the spine like in the image on the right. (Image by DW)
Quick Whole‑Body Assessment
We assess your posture from the ground up — feet, ankles, knees, hips, ribs, shoulders, and neck — to determine what’s pulling your head forward.
Targeted Myofascial & Deep Tissue Work for Realignment
The first half of the session focuses on releasing the major hinge points visible in the side view — including the knees, hip flexors, and mid‑back. The second half addresses the neck in layered detail — posterior to anterior — including structures many therapists overlook, such as the scalenes, SCM, suboccipitals, hyoids, and longus colli. By that point, we’ve created enough slack for the head to naturally reposition itself on the spine.
Progressive Plan That Builds on Each Session
Over the next sessions, we integrate the entire body — feet, legs, hips, ribs, shoulders, neck, and jaw. This Rolfing‑inspired approach helps your posture improve naturally and stay that way long‑term.
What to Expect
A Progressive Plan
Session 1
Create slack by releasing the knees, hips, and diaphragm to allow the neck to decompress, followed by detailed, layered neck work. Expect easier breathing and a noticeably lighter head position right away.
Sessions 2–5
Work from the ground up, stacking the major joints in balanced alignment with easier mobility.
Sessions 6-8+
Reinforce whole‑body alignment — feet to jaw — to support lasting posture change and prevent regression.
Ready to start feeling better?
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Care
Home Care That Helps Between Sessions
We’ll teach you simple, effective self-care such as:
- Chin tucks (deep neck flexor activation)
- Rib expansion and breathing resets
- Pec doorway mobility
- Ankle and foot alignment drills that influence spinal stacking
For example, here’s a helpful video demonstrating a shoulder girdle reset technique:
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Pricing & wellness wallets
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No prepay—card on file to hold; pay after your session.
New here? Choose “New Client Massage” when booking to get $25 off your first visit.
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60 minutes
$160
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90 minutes
$230
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch
Why does my head keep falling forward?
FHP is usually caused by a mix of tight front-body structures (pecs, scalenes) and limited rib or hip mobility. Foot and ankle mechanics can also force the head forward.
Do I need a doctor’s note for posture-related massage?
No. Under NYS Title VIII licensure (see NY Board of Education FAQ #28), massage therapists can assess whether your symptoms are safe for massage. We refer out only when necessary.
What makes Bodyworks DW’s approach different?
We correct posture from the ground up — integrating feet, hips, ribs, and breathing mechanics to support lasting change.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients notice improvement in 2–4 sessions, with deeper postural changes occurring over 5–8 sessions.
Are there precautions for posture-related massage?
Yes — recent injuries, acute inflammation, fever/illness, or medications affecting tissue integrity require caution.
Full list: NYS Massage Therapy Precautions