On many occasions I have had clients stray from their regular one or two specific areas and try an overall massage, the typical response, “I never knew that other spot was so tight.” So how does this happen? Over the course of our day to day activities many of us repeat the same patterns. When we repeat the same actions day in and day out we will be more likely to get short restricted muscle fibres that contain trigger points, reduced range of motion and in some more extreme cases pressure on nerves that can cause numbness, tingling or altered sensations. Typically, when do you go for a massage? If you are like many others, not until you have one or more of the above symptoms. When the day of your massage appointment arrives what would you want worked on? Likely the specific area where you are experiencing discomfort. Here is why I suggest you try an overall massage instead.
By the time a client is experiencing discomfort there is a good chance that they have been compensating with other muscle groups for the affected ones. A full body massage can help you to identify these areas and prevent further injury or discomfort by reducing tension both the area of primary complaint and any others areas that have been “picking up the slack”. You may even discover another area that you love having massaged.
A full body massage can have the following effects:
- Improve circulation
- Improved range of motion
- Released endorphins
- Prevent injury
- Improve recovery time
- Overall relaxation
To compliment your massage, many therapists suggest a hot bath or hot and cold contrast treatments. By soaking in a hot bath before your massage you will help to decrease muscle tension and increase circulation thereby “warming up” your muscles. By using hot and cold pools, 10-15min hot followed by a quick dip to 3min in the cold plunge bath, after your massage your blood vessels will dilate then constrict creating a pump effect to help circulate blood through your muscles which will speed waste removal and provide more nutrients to the muscle to promote relaxation and healing.
If you are not convinced to try a full body relaxation massage by this then let me remind you; it just plain feels good! Create a healthy habit in 2011 and call an RMT for a full body massage today!
Sherri Garrett, RMT
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
