3 ways to practice self care in between massages

We all love having somebody else work on us but are you one who is guilty of thinking that our massage therapist can fix us? I wish they could, (and as a therapist I wish I could fix clients,) but the truth is, massage is better utilized as a complement to other strategies of staying pain free on a daily basis. Below, I have listed 3 things that can help your therapist do their job better, so you can feel greater results.

1. Massage Gun

This nifty gadget can’t quite replace a therapist (in my opinion) but is a great way to get help on-demand. It can help you work on general muscle tightness and soreness but also target tougher trigger points. Those hurt-so-good spots could be areas that your massage therapist made you aware of but did not have more time to focus on. Great to use on quads, hamstrings, and calves, and my personal favorite, the forearms. (You might need a little help for the back.) The one I use is pictured right and linked here from Wodfitters.com.

2. Stress-relieving supplements

Consider taking supplements that help your body deal with stress. (Of course, make sure you are cleared by a doctor for use, or ask them for recommendations about natural supplements.) I like to take CALM (pictured left) after a long or strenuous day or even after a workout. It is a yummy, slightly fizzy drink which contains magnesium. Magnesium is an electrolyte and can help with muscle cramping and general muscle health. It can also help you get a good night’s sleep which is prime time for the body to recover. Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement that helps you adapt and counter stress (adaptogen.) It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to lower stress and anxiety.

3. Posture correction

This is more of a long-term solution to help reeducate your muscles which can prevent excess tightness in certain areas of your body. Posture therapy is more than just trying to stand or sit up straight. It is an exercise therapy specifically designed for your body and helps correct misaligned joints, effectively reducing and eliminating pain symptoms. Click here to see how you can receive treatment in-person, via email, or zoom. If you’d like to read more about how posture is related to pain and how this therapy can benefit you, check out these helpful articles by Matt Whitehead of Oregon Exercise Therapy.

In conclusion, do yourself AND your massage therapist a favor and start to add a little more self care into your regular routine. The more we can prevent, rather than treat, the happier our muscles will be :)