A growing body of research supports the health benefits of massage therapy for conditions such as stress, fibromyalgia, low-back pain, and more. See all the ways you can benefit from adding massage therapy to your health and wellness routine.
We know that Massage therapy can be used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.
So what exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments?
While personal experiences very, massage is useful for all of the conditions listed below and more.
Massage can:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
Ease medication dependence
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
Increase joint flexibility
Lessen depression and anxiety
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling
Reduce spasms and cramping
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
Relieve migraine pain
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives, we assign to it “pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic” or the reasons we seek it out “a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management”, massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of 90 percent of diseases are stress-related. Perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.
Massage Benefits:
Decreased anxiety
Enhanced sleep quality
Greater energy
Improved concentration
Increased circulation
Reduced fatigue
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
It’s true! Kindness is the best medicine. It not only strengthens our hearts but also helps to keep us healthy, happy, and energized! Recently scientists found that when people do kind acts they often experience an emotional warmth that produces oxytocin in their brain-and this chemical creates a sense of well-being.
Kindness gives us healthier hearts. It also strengthens our immune system, reduces aches and pains, makes us happier, and boosts energy and strength in elderly people. Acts of kindness are often accompanied by emotional warmth, which produces oxytocin in the brain and throughout the body. This chemical is responsible for creating a sense of well-being and connection. Of recent interest is its significant effect on the cardiovascular system. Oxytocin causes the release of nitric oxide in blood vessels, which expands them, reducing blood pressure. Thus oxytocin is known as a ‘cardioprotective’ hormone.
Kindness also slows aging. On a biochemical level, aging is a combination of many things, but two culprits that speed the process are free radicals and inflammation, both of which can result from unhealthy lifestyle choices. Remarkable research now shows that oxytocin reduces levels of free radicals and inflammation in the cardiovascular system, thus slowing aging. Free radicals and inflammation also play a major role in heart disease. So kindness is very good for your heart and for your overall health!
Kindness gives us healthier hearts.
Using the Tibetan Buddhist loving-kindness meditation, one study found that kindness and compassion did, in fact, reduce inflammation in the body, most likely due to its effects on the vagus nerve. One simple practice you can perform to stimulate the vagus nerve, and slow heart rate at the same time lowering blood pressure is deep diaphragmatic breathing with long, slow exhalations.
At Zen Massage Salt Lake City, we encourage you to get massaged frequently. Caring touch stimulates the release of oxytocin. And when you use your attention to mindfully slow down and give length to your breathing while you are getting worked on, you double the benefits of your bodywork session. Bring loving-kindness to your heart and nervous system!
We all know that a short foot massage every now and then can really help us relax, most everyone enjoys it, particularly after a long day of standing up and walking around when our feet tend to swell up. But most people ask does it really have any benefits other than making us feel a bit more relaxed and relieving some of the pain?
We will take a look at some of the benefits of foot massage that are supported by actual scientific research – benefits that are either immediate or can be seen and felt after a couple of weeks, even with as little as two to three sessions per week.
1. Improves circulation
Due to a mostly sedentary lifestyle, we have become unaccustomed to using our muscles on a regular basis. The muscles in the feet get hardly any exercise and circulation is often impaired by tight and uncomfortable shoes. A 10–20 minute massage session before going to bed can greatly improve circulation in the lower extremities, which is particularly important for people suffering from diabetes.
2. Helps prevent foot and ankle injuries
Massaging the feet can help with joint pain and aid recovery after an injury, as well as reduce muscle soreness. However, when massage is combined with foot and ankle strengthening exercises and stretching it can prevent future injuries, as well as speed up recovery of existing injuries. A short session three to five times a week will ensure that you minimize the risk of injury. We all have our moments of clumsiness, but a strengthened and flexible ankle and foot ensure that we can avoid unpleasant injuries.
3. Reduces the effects of depression and anxiety
Looking at some of the studies that have been done on the effects of reflexology, it seems that this type of foot massage goes beyond simply putting people in a relaxed state for the duration of the massage.
Frequent sessions have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety in cancer patients. The techniques can be learned fairly quickly and can serve as an effective way of dealing with depression and anxiety.
4. Helps with headaches and migraines
A study conducted in Denmark showed that people suffering from headaches and migraines showed great improvement after receiving reflexology treatments. The test subjects stopped taking their medication, and three months after completing their treatments, 65% had reduced symptoms while a small number had been cured. It is believed that those who had reflexology foot massages managed to make additional positive lifestyle changes that may have contributed to their impressive results.
5. Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure has become fairly common in modern men and women. It can be caused by a number of things such as stress and an unhealthy diet, but in most cases, it has no particular cause and is believed to be a result of environmental factors and genetics. A study conducted on healthcare staff working with elderly people suffering from dementia – a job that is highly stressful and both physically and mentally taxing – showed that a 10-minute foot massage session up to three times a week resulted in improved mood, less anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
6. Helps with flat feet and plantar fasciitis
People with flat feet do not have a normal foot arch due to ligament laxity, which causes the arch to collapse. It can have no major effect on a person, but some people experience foot pain after even mild physical activity due to flat feet. Chronic heel pain can be caused by inflammation or deterioration of the plantar fascia (the connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot). Regular foot exercise coupled with deep massage, where you apply strong pressure on the arch, can help significantly lessen the pain and even cure these conditions.
7. Helps alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause
The most common symptoms suffered during PMS include feelings of sadness and unhappiness, irritability, anxiety, tension, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings. Most of these symptoms can be alleviated with daily foot massages during this period.
In the same vein, symptoms of menopause, which are similar to those suffered during PMS with the addition of hot flashes and depression, can be effectively minimized with regular massages.
While the holidays are often a time of celebration, joy, and being closest to the ones you love, it can also be, well, stressful. It is easy to not feel so wonderful during the most wonderful time of year…but with the right balance, you can navigate through the holiday season with as little stress as possible.
Avoid getting your stockings in a twist with some simple tips.
Eat Clean
You don’t have to give up eating clean just because it’s the holidays. Many of your favorite special-occasion treats can be “cleaned up” simply by swapping whole grains for refined ones, choosing low-fat dairy products, and using minimally processed sugars like honey over granulated white or brown sugar. Even if you do splurge on a few items, be smart and don’t overindulge. Maintain your healthy diet to fuel your body for endless festivities, but enjoy your traditional treats as well – moderation is key!
Breathe
It sounds simple enough but we forget to breathe when we are stressed or upset. Deep, cleansing breaths can actually help lower your stress level, not to mention your blood pressure. So when you’re feeling stressed:
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four seconds.
Hold your breath for a count of seven seconds.
Exhale completely through your mouth to a count of eight seconds.
Stay Active
We know it’s a challenge to eat healthily and squeeze in a workout when you have work parties and family gatherings, but it can be done. You just have to stick to your exercise routine and prioritize yourself. Traveling for the holidays? No worries – hop online and do a little research. Inquire about a temporary gym membership or get a free guest pass with a family member. If you would rather be outdoors, look up running routes and hiking trails in the area. Even when you’re busy holiday shopping, park further away and take the stairs instead of the elevator…every little bit counts.
Sleep
Between parties, shopping for gifts, and family get-togethers, the holidays can leave you stretched for time and sleep. Give yourself a healthy gift this season: a good night’s rest around 7-9 hours. You will wake up feeling recharged and ready to enjoy the festivities!
Be Grateful
Although there are tons of reasons to love the holidays, there are even more reasons to be grateful. Shift your mindset and start focusing on what’s really important: family, friends, being present, and making memories. Studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships, and even promote physical health. A gratitude-filled approach to life has the potential to enhance your general well-being both this holiday season and all year long.
Get A Massage
After all the hustle and bustle are said and done, give yourself a boost to start the new year. A massage from Zen Massage of Salt Lake City is just the thing to help revamp after a busy holiday season.
Zen Massage offers many different styles, prices, and massage specials so you can live life without stress holding you back.
Deep tissue massage uses firm and deep pressure. If you’re suffering from muscular pain or if you feel like Swedish massage doesn’t give you the relief you crave, you should look into deep tissue massage.
When you receive a deep tissue massage at Zen Massage, one of our massage therapists will apply intense pressure to various areas of your body to help alleviate pain and tension. The pressure reaches the deepest layers of your fascia, muscles, and tendons. While a deep tissue massage can benefit nearly any client, some situations call for it more than others. We discuss some of them below.
To Relieve Frequent Headaches
When you have chronic pain in your back, head, and shoulders, this can eventually lead to frequent headaches or migraines. Severe migraine pain can interfere with your daily life by making it impossible to work or socialize. It might even be difficult to turn your head all the way to the right or to the left.
By getting regular massages, you may be able to prevent headaches from developing in the first place. Reducing stress in your life can also help to prevent headaches. The good news is that frequent massages can help you let go of stress before it has a negative impact on your health.
When You Are Under a Lot of Stress
Stress might be a mental phenomenon, but it affects you physically in many ways. For example, you may hold tension in your jaw or neck. It’s also common to suffer from frequent stomach upset or insomnia. If you can relate, a Zen Massage may be just what you need to start feeling more relaxed about life. For the entire duration of your session, you just lie on one of our tables and relax in a peaceful setting. A massage therapist works your deepest muscles to help you let go of the stress you may not even know that you carry.
When You Maintain a Active Physically Lifestyle
If you are an athlete who regularly practices and competes or a person who engages in frequent physical fitness, your body can become stiff and sore as a result. Deep tissue massage is beneficial for athletes and active people because it helps you to guard against injury, allows your muscles to recover, and gives you all the benefits of a stress-relieving massage at the same time. We recommend scheduling a deep tissue massage at least a few times a month to stay ahead of injuries and keep yourself at the top of your game.
When You Haven’t Had A Massage in Years – If Ever
A deep tissue massage is most effective when you receive one regularly. However, you need to start somewhere. Once you have had your Zen Massage, you will wonder why you waited so long. A deep tissue massage can lower blood pressure, elevate your mood, increase joint flexibility, and help to release the tension you have been storing in your body. We recommend that you receive one at least once a month unless you are very active or an athlete. Bi-monthly appointments would be more effective in that case.
Are you ready to schedule a deep tissue massage? We invite you to visit Zen Massage of Salt Lake City to request an appointment and experience the atmosphere for yourself.
No one can deny the restorative healing power of massage. Reducing pain, depression, anxiety and stress, along with boosting our immunity. All of which have an effect on our mental and physical well-being. Pain affects our lives and our quality of life.
Massage is known to help reduce pain by increasing blood flow, easing inflammation, and reducing muscle tightness.
It’s a well-known fact that individuals who have a high level of stress are more prone to injury and illness. Reduction of stress is another benefit of massage. Stress is known to elevate your heart rate, cause elevation of the stress hormone cortisol, which inhibits weight gain, elevate blood pressure, cause headaches, digestive problems, sleep problems, heart disease, memory and concentration issues just to name a few.
These all affect our immune system and make us physically ill. You may not be able to remove all the stress in your life, but you can take stress-reducing measures which are healthy choices.
Research has shown that receiving regular massage therapy helps boost our immune system and flush toxins, increasing blood flow throughout the body. Massage increases the activity of white blood cells that help our body fight diseases and may help with the reduction of cortisol.
Remember to only receive a massage when feeling healthy, as a regular routine. Massage in combination with other complementary and conventional treatments can help you look and feel your best. When you look and feel your best you are at the top of your game and you become more productive at home, work, sports, and in your everyday life.
Massage therapy is an excellent choice as a complementary therapy to conventional health care.
Be open and honest with your massage therapist, if you are under the care of a physician for a specific ailment, check with them about massage. It may be an option for you. It’s not meant to take place of, nor postpone seeing your health care provider for any medical or mental issues. If you have a health condition and are unsure if massage would be right for you, please discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Here are a few tips for reducing stress and boosting your immune system:
Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
Try to keep a positive attitude.
Try to halt stress in its tracks, yes it’s hard when you can’t control it.
Manage your time. Give yourself time to get things done; don’t overwhelm yourself, you know your limits.
Do things you enjoy, like cooking, reading or gardening.
Take 15 to 20 minutes every day to sit quietly and reflect. Learn and practice relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs and don’t smoke.
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
Get enough rest and sleep, your body needs to recover and repair itself.
Get a regular massage which will help lower your stress level and increase your immune system.
Seek out social support.
See your healthcare provider as needed, especially if things feel beyond your control.
We all want to be healthy and it’s not always easy to know where to begin. Here are some suggestions that can help you improve your health.
It’s best to put just one or two into practice at a time so you do not get burned out. As more of these healthy actions become habits, you can add more into your routine.
1. Limit Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like sodas, fruit juices, and sweetened teas are the primary source of added sugar in the American diet.
Unfortunately, findings from several studies point to sugar-sweetened beverages increasing risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even in people who are not carrying excess body fat.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are also uniquely harmful for children, as they can contribute not only to obesity in children but also to conditions that usually do not develop until adulthood, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Healthier alternatives include:
water
unsweetened teas
sparkling water
coffee
2. Eat Nuts & Seeds
Some people avoid nuts because they are high in fat. However, nuts and seeds are incredibly nutritious. They are packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Nuts may help you lose weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Additionally, one large observational study noted that a low intake of nuts and seeds was potentially linked to an increased risk of death from heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes.
3. Avoid Ultra-processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods are foods containing ingredients that are significantly modified from their original form. They often contain additives like added sugar, highly refined oil, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors as well.
Examples include:
snack cakes
fast food
frozen meals
canned foods
chips
Ultra-processed foods are highly palatable, meaning they are easily overeaten and activate reward-related regions in the brain, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed food can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
In addition to low quality ingredients like inflammatory fats, added sugar, and refined grains, they’re usually low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Thus, they provide mostly empty calories.
4. Don’t Fear Coffee
Despite some controversy over it, coffee is loaded with health benefits.
It’s rich in antioxidants, and some studies have linked coffee intake to longevity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and numerous other illnesses.
The most beneficial intake amount appears to be 3–4 cups per day, although pregnant people should limit or avoid it completely because it has been linked to low birth weight.
However, it’s best to consume coffee and any caffeine-based items in moderation. Excessive caffeine intake may lead to health issues like insomnia and heart palpitations. To enjoy coffee in a safe and healthy way, keep your intake to less than 4 cups per day and avoid high-calorie, high-sugar additives like sweetened creamer.
5. Eat Fatty Fish
Fish is a great source of high-quality protein and healthy fat. This is particularly true of fatty fish, such as salmon, which is loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and various other nutrients.
Studies show that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk for several conditions, including heart disease, dementia, and inflammatory bowel disease.
6. Get Enough Sleep
The importance of getting enough quality sleep cannot be overstated.
Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, can disrupt your appetite hormones, and reduce your physical and mental performance.
What’s more, poor sleep is one of the strongest individual risk factors for weight gain and obesity. People who do not get enough sleep tend to make food choices that are higher in fat, sugar, and calories, potentially leading to unwanted weight gain.
7. Feed Your Gut Bacteria
The bacteria in your gut, collectively called the gut microbiota, are incredibly important for overall health.
A disruption in gut bacteria is linked to some chronic diseases, including obesity and a myriad of digestive problems.
Good ways to improve gut health include eating probiotic foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, taking probiotic supplements — when indicated — and eating plenty of fiber. Notably, fiber serves as a prebiotic, or a food source for your gut bacteria.
8. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is an important and often overlooked marker of health. Staying hydrated helps ensure that your body is functioning optimally and that your blood volume is sufficient.
Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, as it’s free of calories, sugar, and additives.
Although there’s no set amount that everyone needs per day, aim to drink enough so that your thirst is adequately quenched.
9. Don’t Eat Heavily Charred Meats
Meat can be a nutritious and healthy part of your diet. It’s very high in protein and a rich source of nutrients.
However, problems occur when meat is charred or burnt. This charring can lead to the formation of harmful compounds that may increase your risk for certain cancers.
When you cook meat, try not to char or burn it. Additionally, limit your consumption of red and processed meats like lunch meats and bacon as these are linked to overall cancer risk and colon cancer risk.
10. Avoid Bright Lights Before Sleep
When you’re exposed to bright lights — which contain blue light wavelengths — in the evening, it may disrupt your production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
To help reduce your blue light exposure wear blue light blocking glasses — especially if you use a computer or other digital screen for long periods of time — and avoid digital screens for 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed.
This can help your body better produce melatonin naturally as evening progresses, helping you sleep better.
11. Take Vitamin D if you’re deficient
Most people do not get enough vitamin D. While these widespread vitamin D inadequacies are not imminently harmful, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can help to optimize your health by improving bone strength, reducing symptoms of depression, strengthening your immune system, and lowering your risk for cancer.
If you do not spend a lot of time in the sunlight, your vitamin D levels may be low.
If you have access, it’s a great idea to have your levels tested, so that you can correct your levels through vitamin D supplementation if necessary.
12. Eat Plenty of Fruits & Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are loaded with prebiotic fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, many of which have potent health effects.
Studies show that people who eat more vegetables and fruits tend to live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, obesity, and other illnesses.
13. Get Moving
Doing aerobic exercise, or cardio is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health.
It’s particularly effective at reducing belly fat, the harmful type of fat that builds up around your organs. Reduced belly fat may lead to major improvements in your metabolic health.
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.
14. Use Plenty of Herbs & Spices
There is a variety of herbs and spices at our disposal these days, more so than ever. They not only provide flavor but also may offer several health benefits as well.
For example, ginger and turmeric both have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help improve your overall health.
Due to their powerful potential health benefits, you should aim to include a wide variety of herbs and spices in your diet.
15. Nurture Your Social Relationships
Social relationships — with friends, family, and loved ones you care about — are important not only for your mental well-being but also your physical health.
Studies show that people who have close friends and family are healthier and live much longer than those who do not.
16. Get Rid of Excess Belly Fat
Excessive abdominal fat, or visceral fat, is a uniquely harmful type of fat distribution that is linked to an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
For this reason, your waist size and waist-to-hip ratio may be much stronger markers of health than your weight.
Cutting refined carbs, eating more protein and fiber, and reducing stress (which can reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that triggers abdominal fat deposition) are all strategies that may help you get rid of belly fat.
17. Meditate
Stress has a negative effect on your health. It can affect your blood sugar levels, food choices, susceptibility to sickness, weight, fat distribution, and more. For this reason, it’s important to find healthy ways to manage your stress.
Meditation is one such way, and it has some scientific evidence to support its use for stress management and improving health.
In one study involving 48 people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or both, researchers found that meditation helped lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and inflammation compared with the control group. Additionally, the participants in the meditation group reported improved mental and physical wellness.
To Sum It All Up
A few simple steps can go a long way toward improving your eating patterns and wellness.
Still, if you’re trying to live a healthier life, do not just focus on the foods you eat. Exercise, sleep, and social relationships are also important.
With the tips above, it’s easy to introduce small changes that can have a big impact on your overall health.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Olena Litovsky.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? Massage was always a passion of mine. In 2006, as I was studying for medical exams we decided to open Zen massage. Started small as a way to stay in contact with my clinical background while going through steps of medical validation of credentials, but grew into amazing practice connecting two critical components of happy employees and satisfied clients.
Zen massage grew and constantly kept adapting to demand and changes in our social environment. Starting from the economic difficulties of the 2008 recession to the Covid19 shut down for six weeks.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road? Of course, during 15 years we have seen it all. Busy and slow. High unemployment rate and difficulties finding competent and compatible team players to add to our Zen family. Despite all of them we only grew stronger.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do? I do have a medical background (graduated from Medical school in Ukraine) but had neither business education nor experience. So, the beginning of the journey was easy and without expectations to make money.
It came later as a result of regulars returning customers, word of mouth, etc. Lots of our clients are close to us as a family too. Some have been loyal to us for 15 years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude every day. Being so happy to experience this perfect tango between business and passion, love to help people.
That is probably the key difference between us and other massage businesses. We don’t follow the traditional approach to staff and employment. We allow lots of freedom, encourage taking time off as needed to spend time with family, friends, to recover physically and mentally. Health is the main topic here. That includes physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts. I love taking risks. Without it, I believe, it is impossible to achieve success and growth. Major risk #1 for me personally was to come to the USA in 2004.
As for Zen Massage signing up for the construction of the new location, signing up for a personal guarantee right before the 2008 market crash and downturn of the economy. I take risks in numerous ways in my life, my personal safety, and my hobbies by training and competitions in jiu-jitsu.
Hiking, always trying new things like target gun shooting, ax throwing, ect. Trying new travels and experiences like yoga retreats. I challenge myself and others with physical and mental challenges. Risks are a big part of who I am.
When we feel a headache, backache, neck pain, or any other kind of pain, our first thought is to make it go away. However, it’s hard to find the solution to the problem when you don’t know the origin. A lot of injuries and accidents feel like they happen all of a sudden, but nothing happens without warning. Your lifestyle plays a huge part in how your body feels, and neck strain is a very common symptom a lot of clients experience.
Neck strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons that support and move the head and neck. The best way to prevent neck strain is to take precautions when doing these three things:
Talking on the phone: Of course, talking on the phone can’t be avoided. However, most of us use the phone for long periods of time. We also use the phone while doing other things. Can you recall the last time you held the phone without tucking it in between your neck and shoulder? The American Osteopathic Association recommends using both hands or a hands-free device when using the phone.
Desk Work: We often talk about the couch potato who spends all day on the sofa, but they aren’t prone to neck pains like the desk potato. More sedentary jobs require looking at a computer and typing on a keyboard for more than 50% of the workday. After a few hours of doing the same activities, your posture probably becomes poor. Activities like stretching, adjusting your monitor, and sitting correctly can alleviate upper body strain.
Workouts: Form is everything when working out. Good form prevents minor and major injuries from occurring. The right exercises can ease neck pain, but the wrong exercises can cause neck pain. For instance, think about an ab move like sit-ups. The wrong neck alignment can make the exercise very uncomfortable. It is always recommended to stretch and warm the body before any workout.
A massage treatment can help relieve upper body pain caused by talking on the phone, deskwork, and workouts. Massages help to loosen the affected muscles and tendons. Although massage therapy is a great treatment, prevention is key.
