Long
Lasting
Benefits
Sometimes the massage benefit is immediate, and only one session is all it takes to correct dysfunction.
…If only that were always the case.
Often, therapeutic massage is a process that helps as the body gradually changes to provide long term pain relief from chronic dysfunction.
Almost always: As you face a life-long balancing act of activity and computer posture; massage is your tool to alleviate pain and keep you as free and mobile as you can possibly be.
Everyone feels so rejuvenated, like a reset or shedding of years, after their massage. So much so, everyone wants to know:
How do I keep “this” for a long as possible?
The answer is movement and hydration. If you are doing those 2 things, you are going to enjoy “this” for as long as possible. Weeks and even months.
What Is Movement?
Physical Activity
Your lymphatic system is mechanical. It needs movement to work. The "one way" design of the passage ways create fluid movement by literally pushing it along. To maintain the push, there has to be movement.
Short Frequent Stretches
As a way to promote movement, I tell my clients to become a "Ninja Stretcher". That means very short (2 secs or less) full range stretches you perform multiple times throughout the day. It is better you grab 40 quick dynamic stretches over 16 hours than 60 seconds of stretching in the morning, alone.
Repositioning Frequently
Never let yourself get locked into any one position for too long. No matter what focused activity you are doing, remember to reposition. Doing so changes where and how stress is distributed. Slightly different muscle fibers take control of actions which limits isolated fatigue. One of the largest contributors to myofascial buildup.
Rolling For Zen!
Foam Rolling, that is. Those myriad sized and shaped objects available in any fitness section. Or simply using a golf ball, tennis ball, frozen water bottle., or almost anything at your disposal to dig into an area that feels like it might tear on its own if not addressed.
Is it safe/good/recommended to do this to myself to keep “this” going ? Yes! It’s a form of what I am doing.
I have a couple pieces of advice I like to share with current and future “Rollers”. First and foremost, don’t hurt yourself! You will most definitely induce an inflammatory response, which can and should be avoided; or at least minimized when possible. Rolling should be releasing endorphins as you encourage the tissues to remain in that post massage state. At the end of rolling, if you are not experiencing that Zen like reward; let’s talk about possible modifications.
Second, Why are you are assuming that where it hurts; is where you should be rolling? Recent advances in understanding locations of pain receptors linked to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) are not where you think! Show me where you like to stick that rolling device; and I might be able to offer some suggestions on additional, or alternate approaches to get to that goal of pain relief…without inducing mild Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.[1]
In summary, as long as you are not injuring yourself, and that your efforts create some lasting relief after all that “hurts so good”; then by all means, Roll Your Own!
Begin With The Most
Another way of getting the most out of your massage is to begin with the most. As in, the most knowledge for your therapist. I am my most effective when I have considered your needs ahead of time. Our pre-session interview leads to a much more refined approach to you.
For those who have scheduled a session, you were required to “Register” as a client. You provided me your name, email address and phone number.
I used your email address to create an ID for you; unless you specifically chose a unique ID. Using your email address, or login ID, I invite you to Login to your account online. You can manage scheduled sessions, and easily reschedule. But more importantly, you can complete your Online Profile. You have the opportunity to provide information such as Relevant Surgeries or Illnesses that might affect your massage. You can indicate generally, and even specifically where you need work, or areas you need me to avoid. You can review an important “Things I Should Know” checklist and provide additional communication that will arm me, your therapist, with the knowledge to give exactly what you need to accomplish your wellness goals.