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Massage anyone?
By workoutmommy | July 2, 2008
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My neck is aching, my shoulder crunches when I lift my little one, and my overall stress level is just through the roof.
So last weekend I decided to treat myself to a 30 minute massage and it was absolutely wonderful. The minute the therapist touched my sore back, I felt an immediate sense of calm. Thirty minutes is just not enough time to iron out all my physical issues, but I cherished every single second of it.
Why do we need massage? Because our muscles deserve it! 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.
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.
Topics: fitness |
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:23 am
[...] Original post by workoutmommy [...]
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:06 am
yes please
ANY.
Im ready and wrapped in my sheet—-when’s the therapist arriving??
MizFit’s last blog post..Viewer Mail.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
I usually get Swedish massages when I get massages, but last month I had to have Myofascial Release because I had such intense, BURNING neck and shoulder pain - I think being on the computer too long triggered it (I’m much better at taking stretching breaks now!). The massage was painful, but you’re right - totally worth it. I hope I never get to the point where I need one again, but it’s good to know I can be healed.
FatFighter’s last blog post..Obese man loses 520 pounds, vows to leave his bed
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 am
Um, I’ve never had a massage. I feel really uncomfortable getting naked with a stranger like that. I’m weird, I know.
charlotte’s last blog post..Why Teens Diet
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:33 am
I looove massages! They feel so wonderful. Plus, I get horribly tight knots in my shoulders.
I like most any type of massage, but the Shiatsu/trigger point massage is probably my favorite. It really helps relax those knots.
Susan’s last blog post..When Desserts Lost Their Mojo
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
mizfit,you crack me up.
charlotte-i was that way too. until I had my first one, and now my fear of naked outweighs the joy of massage.
fatfighter-good point about remembering to stretch at the computer.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
I love massages and probably get them once every six months or so. I’ve only done a hot stone massage once, but it was definitely my favorite as well.
Playful Professional’s last blog post..WFMW: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Yeah…I gotta get one…It’s so hard to find the time!
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Special Delivery…
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:01 am
I have only had one massage and it was a couples massage in Jamaica. Pure heaven. We haven’t had one since then but look forward to another one(or few) when we return in Dec.
Angie’s last blog post..Weekly Weigh In: July 2
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
I used to go to the massage school and get really cheap ones. They do all kinds so it was excellent, but if you don’t have the personality where you can tell the student if what they are doing doesn’t feel right, I don’t recommend it. I don’t know why I stopped- I could go for a deep tissue right now…
Hannah’s last blog post..Adapt
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
It doesn’t need to be pricey at all- just get your kids to do it! When I was little I used to give massages to my mum and dad and grandpa all the time. I can’t usually get massages done on myself because I’m so ticklish, unfortunately. I need to be SUPER relaxed to be able to enjoy it!
Sagan’s last blog post..Gadget Confusion
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
nap-I hear ya on the time. So many things to get done! though with all your running, your legs deserve a good rubdown
hannah–good point about the massage school, i have one near my house that I will have to check out.
sagan-i like the idea of putting my kids to work. Will have to wait a few years though, all they can do now is pull hair!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:54 am
I usually go to the massage school for my massage. The “therpists” are doing their final training, most of them are very good & the cost is $30.00 for 55 minutes. I used to go every other Saturday. It made a BIG difference in my arthritis & fibromyalgia.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I’ve never had a professional massage. I did have a facial and that little big where they rub your neck and shoulders was AWESOME. I had always been wary about having a massage (I was afraid I’d be so stressed that I would cry when the stress was released!) But I think I may have to try it!!
IzzyBeth’s last blog post..Progress and FOOD FIND!
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Yep, me too. Need one NOW!
Rachel’s last blog post..I had a relationship with Powerbar
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hello,
I loved this article! Thanks! I am a Massage Therapist and so many people are stressed, out there and really need the Healing Power of Touch!
I myself make time to get one each month.
Make the time to treat yourself –your mind, body and soul with thank you for it. You will see a big improvement in your overall health! I see it everyday with my clients and in my own health.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
i got my first massage for free from my boss 9he owns a studio, he didnt give it to me) and i picked a 3 on a scale of 1-4 for pressure, and everything was perfect until the guy did my thighs. i thought i was going to cry. and afterwards my calf cramped up on the way home while i was driving and i almost crashed.
it felt good though. i still cant decide if i liked it or not.
Every Gym’s Nightmare’s last blog post..EGN Prize Patrol
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I LOVE massages but I’m too cheap to get ‘em very often.
And for me, they don’t seem to be the least bit theraputic–whatever hurt before I went in hurts as much, if not more, in the days afterwards. But I just love the feeling so it’s worth it to me for a reliable hour of bliss.
Crabby McSlacker’s last blog post..Dripping and Cursing
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Sounds terrific. I too have only had one massage and it was given as a gift by my husband (before we were married). Oh my goodness was it 9 years ago?!
It’s so hard for me to justify the expense for myself. I know. I need to drop a more forceful hint for another wonderful gift from husband!
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
My last massage was a hot stone massage at the Grove Park Inn in October (we were there for a wedding). When my 50 minutes was up, if therapist had asked me that she would continue at a rate of $1,000/minute…I probably would have booked another hour right then.
It was *that* good.
Slacker Mama’s last blog post..impressive…but not *that* impressive
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
After loooong volleyball tournaments my dad used to let me go get a massage. It was always so nice after playing for several days.
I really should get massage therapy for the knot in my shoulder- it just won’t go away!
adria’s last blog post..‘Cause I’m Cool Like that
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I love the fact that at my job a masseuse comes in bi-weekly to give the employees at our office massages. It definitely helps!
Sue’s last blog post..My Newfound Obsession with Tea
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Ooh, I’m so jealous! You know, I’ve never had a professional massage in MY ENTIRE LIFE. That’s sad.
Zandria’s last blog post..Meeting Semi-Charmed Jen
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 pm
sue-how awesome that your job brings in a masseuse!
zandria-get yourself to a massage right now!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
$50-130 per 30 minute session! For a massage? And on top of that, being naked with a stranger?
That’s why I got married! Problem solved! Ha! Ha! Ha!
(Make sure you bring the watermelon too!)
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
paul-it took me awhile to figure out the watermelon comment!
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
When I started Boot Camp 3 years ago, the everyday pounding on my body took a toll and a very, very tired, sore body was the result. The advice was always rest….not taking the correct course of action, I wasn’t having it so I went with plan B. A deep intense sports massage twice a week, using my foam roller daily, stretching, ice packs and heat. The combination of these actions helped me work through these obstacles. Over the past two years the expense of the massage has decreased to once every 2-3 months. Without a doubt the massage is an incredible tool to work through tightness, soreness and pain. After learning the hard wayI do now recommend that one listen
to their body and REST when necessary….a healthy routine for me now consists of 20-30% recovery. Great post!
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..Maintaining a Healthy Routine
July 5th, 2008 at 3:46 am
I love massages, especially Swedish. They are so relaxing and great for overall well being. Not to long ago I had a Massage/Spa party where an actual mobile spa company and gave massages and facials to me, hubby and 8 friends.
Erica
Home Business Success’s last blog post..Affiliate Marketing Expo for Moms
July 6th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
I try to treat myself to a massage every few weeks. It’s my vice. It’s a great way of treating your body to something nice after it takes a beating at the gym.
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