When I receive a phone call from a client who is in crisis, either from spasm or acute strain/pain, often the mood is panicked.  Worries about the severity of damage and the potential interference with daily activities and responsibilities can understandably send us through the roof with anxiety. 

Here is a quick tip that I pass along when appropriate:  Drop the mental chatter.  To truly understand the severity of the injury, we need to separate from the mental plane and focus with gentleness on the physical plane.  The physical plane is where we can assess and release.  By removing the burden of fear from the pain site one is left with the simple pain itself, which can be much less overwhelming and easier to control.

Getting in to your massage therapist as soon as scheduling is possible is recommended, but as you wait try on this approach and feel the relief!