[nsouth]

Apart from practicing deep breathing periodically, you might want try getting a lacrosse ball and using it for deep point massage. I was able to release a lot of tension from my neck and shoulders with one. Also, a theraband was recommended to me by a physio so I could do flys to help pull my shoulders back into proper alignment.

I'd recommend seeing a physio - one did me the world of good and was able to suggest exercises and make me aware of what good posture looked like. I've had to do a lot of core strength work to fix bad habits and now I feel much better.

[portofcall]

I do this a lot too, and just one word of warning from personal experience: don’t overwork one spot, or apply steady pressure to one spot for a long time. The former is going to cause a feedback loop of swelling and irritation, leading to more overwork, and so on. The latter just hurts, and impinges on circulation.

For the lower back, I recommend a “foam roller” although it hurts at first, my god does it help.

[monkeynotes]

Trigger point balls, can recommend for all sorts of muscle pain and stiffness. I have one at my desk to work out any knots that I get from sitting all day.