Oh summer! How we anticipate its arrival all winter long. We look forward to the sunshine and the warm breeze on a summer evening. We daydream about relaxing on our deck with a cool beverage, taking a much-needed vacation, and enjoying the fruits of our garden. Yes, summer, we love you! However, now that you’re here you’ve caused a few problems.
As massage therapists, we see it all summer long, while summer in the mid-Atlantic is a much anticipated season, it can also take a toll on our bodies. Knowing how to properly care for ourselves reduces the risk of injury and discomfort.
Here are three reasons a summertime massage will benefit your health.
1. Massage Aids Muscle Relief After Exercise
You may not realize the extra strain you are putting on your body during summer activities. Most people don’t stretch their muscles before and after they head outside to work in their garden, push the lawn mower around, or play a quick round of kickball with their kids, and the result can cause injury.
In the summer months, we find ourselves saying yes to fun activities like swimming, cycling, and golfing. Consequently, muscles that have been ignored for 7-8 months get stretched, pulled, and even strained.
Massage can help relieve the tension in your muscles after you’ve been pulling weeds from your garden for several hours or after a quick excursion around the lake in a friend’s kayak. This regular maintenance helps muscles to stay limber and aids in avoiding spasms and sprains.
2. Massage Alleviates Swelling
The nasty part of summer we tend to overlook as we stare out the window in February when the sky looks gray and the grass is brown, is the heat and humidity that sweeps through our area in July and August. During humid months, we see a lot of swelling and discomfort in our clients’ joints. This annoyance is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the body.
Massage is proven to help increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and soothe aching muscles. As therapists hone in on problem areas, muscles elongate and fluid is pushed throughout the body alleviating swelling in joints and limbs.
3. Massage Combats Stress
Isn’t it funny how summer is supposed to be a time for rest and relaxation, yet it sometimes feels like we are in overdrive? It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, chores need to be completed, bills must be paid, deadlines have to be met, and children need to be entertained. It can be overwhelming.
Massage is proven to help relieve stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep.
Whether you are pushing yourself to achieve your personal best running time, racing the clock to beat beach traffic, or picking up wet towels from a bedroom floor, you deserve a little time to yourself. Experience the stillness of serenity through massage. Breathe in the lovely scent of your favorite essential oil. Listen to the peaceful and soothing music playing softly in the background. Sounds wonderful, right? Yes!
Schedule your massage and allow the health benefits your body longs to have this summer wash over you. It will be the best decision you make today!