I got a massage last weekend for the first time in about 9 months. My whole way there I was so excited because massages are always a great way to relax. I tend to carry stress in my shoulders, so I pointed that out to the masseuse when I got there, and for an hour she worked out all sorts of knots. But as I was laying there, I started thinking that massages are important for a LOT of reasons, not just relaxation.
In fact, I learned quite a bit when I was there. I learned that while I work out regularly – I am not the best stretcher. The muscles in my pecks needed to be stretched out more. I also learned that my hamstring muscles needed to be stretched more. Did you know that if you don’t stretch your muscles out they shorten up! I don’t know about you ladies, but I need any extra “bulk” in my thighs 😉 So, the masseuse recommended standing up several times a day and reaching down to touch my toes. Easy peasy and it doesn’t make me more than 30 seconds. She said that sitting alot during the day (like most of us do for work) and not stretching good enough after a workout can cause this.
So, I have been making a conscious effort to touching my toes and stretching out my hamstrings…and it feels great actually 🙂
I thought I would share some reasons why I think getting a massage is important – I am not a doctor and these are my opinions…if you know of any others – let me know and I will add them to the list 🙂
- Obviously – it feel WONDERFUL
- Great for your muscles
- You learn things – like I did 🙂
- Helps to reduce anxiety
- Helps ease arthritis
- If you have circulatory problems, it may help with that as well
- Helps to with headaches, especially when due to tension – I know a massage always makes mine go away!
- Helps with insomnia
- Relief stress
- If you have a sports injury a massage can help you get back on the road to recovery
So the next time you think about getting a massage and decide that it’s too expense or maybe it’s a “luxury” think of all the reasons that you do need one!
If you are a local Tampa Bay reader – I went to IDEAL Massage for the 1st time and LOVED IT, my masseuse was Nicole 🙂
You are so right! And some things we don’t think about is that high levels of stress can cause many health problems…even heart disease!
So it is great to get a massage wish I could go more than 1x a year lol..good thing I still have two lovely gift cards in my drawer for one that I haven’t used yet 😉