Your muscles need massage therapy

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The general mindset is that a massage is a luxury; one that should only occur on rare and special occasions.  The truth is though, your body and muscles need and deserve regular massages.  They work hard for us every day and are put under constant stress and strain. A professional massage therapist can help identify any problem areas you might have and use various manipulation techniques to alleviate your pain or tension. They can also help prevent future injuries by helping elongate your muscles and resolve any muscle imbalances you might have.

This week I had two massages and they were absolutely wonderful. The minute the therapist touched my sore back, I felt an immediate sense of calm. Fifty minutes is just not enough time to iron out all my physical issues, but I cherished every single second of it.

There are several different types of massage out there, here are a few of my favorites:

• Swedish massage: this is the most common type of massage. It focuses on improving blood flow to the skin and muscles and removing tension. It is generally a more relaxing type massage that improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress. This is a good place to start if you have never had one before.

• Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy: I have some serious knots in my shoulders, so this is one that really helps with relieving the tension in my neck. The therapist uses slower movements and deep finger pressure to relieve tension. He/She finds a knot and will use deep finger pressure on that spot until it is gone.

• Sports massage: If you participate in any kind of sport on a regular basis, this one is for you! Beware though, it can be very vigorous! Sports massage is used to warm up muscle tissue, assist in training, prevent injury, and aid healing in case of soreness or injury. It is used both before and after exercise, as well as in the treatment of sports injuries such as sprains, strains, or tendonitis.

• Heated Stone Massage: This one is definitely my favorite! The therapist uses heated basalt mineral stones that represent the chakras. Muscle tension is released as the smooth stones move over the muscle. You can essentially feel your stress and tension melting away as the rocks are moving over your body. This one is usually 90 minutes long, and definitely worth it!

• Myofascial Release: When I was marathon training, I had big problems with my IT (illiotibial) band. This type of massage was key in my recovery. Basically your muscle is covered by a thin layer of tissue (”fascia”) that can tighten to the point of where it does not allow your muscle to fully relax. With Myofascial Release, the therapist gently stretches the fascia along the direction of the muscle until the tissue releases and is fully elongated. Again it can be painful, but worth it in the long run.

• Pregnancy: Yes, even pregnant women can get massages! There is specific positioning and techniques that pertain to massage during pregnancy, so be sure your therapist is properly trained. Pregnancy can be tough on your body, so pamper it all you can!

Getting a massage can be pricey ($50-130 per session). If it isn’t in your budget for right now, put aside a little bit each month and splurge on yourself when possible. You deserve it, especially with all that activity you have been doing! (yes, I am talking to you!)

Have you had a massage recently? Leave me a comment and tell me all about it.

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Tagged as: Health, Massage, Myofascial Release, Pain