For many of us, pain in the body is constant. Whether we’ve got metal rods supporting our spine or we’re just trying to age gracefully, we often get a massage to temporarily relieve suffering. The session comes and goes, and though we feel GREAT, there’s a niggling sensation reminding us our return to pain is shortly around the corner…
But, does it have to be this way?
As a massage therapist, I encourage my clients to take control of their own well-being. Here are 5 ways you can prolong the benefits of your massage to stay pain free longer.
1. ) DON’T EXERCISE
Unless you’re utilizing massage to improve performance, resist the urge to exercise directly afterwards. High impact training like running compresses joints and strengthens muscles, and right after they’ve been loosened in the session. Instead, just relax for the rest of the day. Or better yet, schedule a massage shortly before you prepare for sleep. Rest is the body’s best chance for recovery.
2.) STRETCH
Pain is often caused by the hardening of connective tissue, due to trauma or the effects of aging. To keep pain at bay, consider stretching any trigger areas the morning after the session. This will help to sustain flexibility and re-train the body to create the space needed to stay pain free and injury proof. Yoga practices also are encouraged!
3.) SIT UP STRAIGHT
Having good posture, especially while sitting is essential to reducing pain. Slumping tends to pull our neck forward, creating an unnatural curvature throughout the spine. When held for extended periods, this can create maladaptive holding patterns in the body and feelings of misalignment. Instead, cultivate awareness of your posture, and try not to sit or stand too long. If you’re in an office setting for work, insert periods of mobility throughout your day as a method of self-care.
4.) EAT LIGHTER and HEALTHIER
Hydration is key to reducing pain for inflammatory conditions like arthritis or even chronic digestive issues. This means having a good water intake, but also nutrient balance. Maintaining a responsive metabolism improves our energy and mood, which could contribute to how well we take care ourselves. Conversely, eating poorly (lots of sugar, fats, too much gluten or dairy) puts more pressure on our systems to process and can create imbalance that leads to pain. Instead, be mindful of how you feel in your body daily and modify your habits to support pain prevention/reduction.
5.) TRY SOMETHING NEW
Wellness is no one size fits all routine. Often, it is the combination of therapies that keeps pain reduced or sometimes, alleviate it altogether. Invest in your health and consider trying an acupuncture, energy healing or personal training session. The results may surprise you!
Carrie Kopp Adams is the Founder of www.massage-by-carrie.com , a mobile massage business from Southern California.
She is a Certified Massage Therapist and Certified Yoga Instructor specializing in rehabilitating clients from injury or illness.
Raised in Baltimore, Maryland and educated at the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine in Holistic Nutrition, Ayurveda and Energy-work, she healed her own body of autoimmune disease, prompting her to want to share this ability with others.
As a highly skilled, educated and talented healing artist, Carrie provides clients with result-driven all-inclusive integrative bodywork, combining various modalities to customize each session based on an individual's needs.