Massage therapy is a great way to change how you feel (a short and simple statement).
I could just leave it at that and move on to more fun things, like napping. I could, but I won’t.
Are you tired of pain? Do you have pain in your neck, shoulders, low back, upper back, glutes, legs, and feet? We are covered in muscles. Muscles hold on to tension. Tension held for too long changes their natural position, tautness, and length. When you change something for too long it gets held in place and then causes pain.
Think about what you are doing right now. Are you working at the computer and taking a break and surfing the web? (Thanks for stopping and reading my blog.) Has it been a stressful day? Are your shoulders up by your ears? Have you been on the phone texting and looking down? Standing in heels all day working the sales floor? How about picking up that teething baby and calming them down by holding them on your hip and pacing around?
These are all daily living activities. They cause changes in our body’s natural position. When they are held for too long equals muscle change equals pain. Yup, it stinks. We can’t all stop to take naps to relax and let the body reposition. So what can we do?
First thing to do is to take mini breaks. Put the phone down, stand up in your cubicle, kick the shoes off (and find some flats) and put the baby in a swing for a minute or two. Stretch! Deep breath in and reach for the sky. Bend over and touch the ground. Move your body. Arms behind your back, clasp hands together and pull those shoulders down. Roll your head around slowly…… These are all easy stretches that can be done anywhere. What is the point of doing these stretches? It gives your body a break and puts things back in place. It increases blood flow and circulation. It will give you a little burst of energy and clear your head.
Go ahead and try it now I will wait. tick tick tick….
Better?
The next thing I want you to do is book a massage (blatant plug.) Massage helps to relax those tight tense muscles. When they relax they work their way back to a natural position. When muscles are less tight and not stressed and strained, you will find a reduction in pain. What a great thing! Who doesn’t want less pain? I know I do. Massage is not an indulgence. It is preventative health care.
You get your teeth cleaned to prevent cavities. You eat fruits and veggies to provide your body with healthy vitamins and minerals. You exercise to maintain a healthy weight and a strong heart. You get a monthly massage to reduce stress and loosen those tight muscles.
As you start an exercise program and eating those veggies more think about adding massage to your list of things to do. You won’t believe the difference it can make in your health.
Lisa Poole has been a licensed New Hampshire Massage Therapist since 2011. She is the owner of Peaceful Strength Massage Therapy located in Manchester, NH. She has an Associate of Science degree in Exercise Science with 10 years experience as a personal trainer. She worked for a major insurance carrier for more than eight years and has a great appreciation for the stresses of working behind a computer for 8 hours a day.
Lisa is a lifelong resident of New Hampshire. A parent of two boys (young men), and is married to her high school sweetheart. Exercise and wellness are tremendously important to her. Personal experience has taught her the importance of
balance between family, job and fitness. Lisa’s goals are to share her knowledge, help make people feel better and lead healthier lives.
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