Pain and stiffness in the muscles and ligaments around joints, most commonly in the neck and shoulder area. This can be caused by overuse, or injury. Most commonly it is a result of bad posture and tension in the body.

Treatment - Aromatherapy

Taking a bath to which 4 drops of essential oil of lavender have been added relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Add essential oil of lavender to your massage oil for futher effect.HomeopathyEvery 30 minutes for 4 doses and repeat if necessary:Stiffness and pain after unaccustomed physical exertion: Arnica 6c. Stiffness after rest, improved by continued motion: Rhus toxicodendron 6c. Stiffness and discomfort that worsens with continued motion: Bryonia 6c.HydrotherapyTake a bag of frozen peas, wrap it in a cloth and apply to the painful area for 10 minutes. Follow this with 10 minutes of heat provided by a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Repeat. Carry out treatment twice daily.

Massage

Turn your neck slightly to one side. Take hold of the large muscle (the sternocleidomastoid) which runs from the base of the skull to the collar bone, hold it with fingers and thumb and squeeze firmly up and down the muscle. Turn your head the other way and repeat on the other side.AcupressureLie on your front. Ask a partner to place the pads of their thumbs on either side of your spine, and apply gentle pressure, starting at the top vertebrae and working down each one. Pressure should be applied by leaning a little weight over the thumbs.

Meditation

Learning to meditate will help relieve tension, and make you aware of situations or positions which cause you to tense the muscles.YogaGently lift your shoulder up as high as you can. Hold the position for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times, morning and evening. Circle your shoulders forward 5 times and backwards 5 times. Repeat morning and evening. Stand facing a wall with your feet about 2-3 feet away from the wall. Place the palms of your hands on the wall just above your head. Keeping your arms and legs straight, and without moving your feet or hands, let your head and chest fall forward between your arms. Hold the position for as long as it is comfortable. Do this exercise whenever you experience shoulder pain or stiffness.

Professional Help

Massage, osteopathy or chiropractic will all help. The Alexander Technique is helpful in correcting postural problems which often lead to fibrositis. Acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain.