The power of massage, to drive away the tensions that afflict office workers and cause neck and back pain, has been unveiled to people visiting York's Barbican Centre.

Massage therapist Sue Russell, of the Barbican Body Suite, was demonstrating Indian Head Massage to customers, part of a range of free activities at the centre for National Backcare Week, which runs until Friday.

Sue explained the technique she was using was particularly effective for defusing the problems that built up for people who spent their working lives in offices, often in front of computer screens.

"It's very good for relieving neck and shoulder tension," she said.

Sue said tension in one part of the body could lead to pain elsewhere. For example, tension in the face, possibly due to someone grinding their teeth, could spread down the neck and to the rest of the spinal area.

Another advantage of the head massage was that it could be done in someone's workplace, as it did not involve undressing or using oils.

Barbican Centre manager Helen Broadbent said although the massage was currently being offered at the centre, they would consider taking the service to customers if there was a demand for it.

Activities during the rest of the week include: a Hatha Yoga session between 5.30pm and 6.45pm, and shoulder and neck massage from the Body Suite between 6pm and 7.30pm tonight; The Fulford Cross-based Healing Clinic tomorrow, at a time to be confirmed; a discussion and demonstration on correct posture in the office environment between 7.30pm and 9pm on Thursday; then on Friday more demonstrations from the Body Suite between 10am and 11.30am, the Healing Clinic between 1pm and 4pm, and a swimming session between 8pm and 9.30pm.