When paired with massage therapy, stretching offers long-lasting benefits. In fact, when stretching is incorporated into a person’s daily practice, the most satisfactory results are frequently realized.
Any stiffness or soreness you might experience after a massage treatment can be reduced with a post-massage stretch. The strength of the massage or any existing pain or muscle strain in your body may be to blame for this soreness.
Like exercise stimulates our muscles, deep tissue massage increases blood flow and friction within the fibers. Stretching reduces discomfort and increases the therapeutic benefits of massage by assisting in the release of muscle tension and by enhancing flexibility and circulation.
Continued stretching between sessions can result in better outcomes after you receive massage therapy. Here’s how including stretching in your daily routine can improve your mood and maximize the benefits of your massages.
1. Stretching Makes You More Flexible
Regular stretching increases the flexibility of our joints and muscles, preventing the shortening and tightening that comes with aging. With improved flexibility and lessening of stiffness, you can avoid stress and injury.
2. Stretching Increases Range of Motion
How we benefit from more flexible joints depends on how much range of motion we have in our joints. You may improve your body’s range of motion and balance by including regular stretching in your routine.
3. Stretching Promotes Blood Flow
Stretching creates extra space in your tissue for blood vessels to expand, which improves circulation. This increases oxygen flow and enhances waste elimination.
3 Simple Stretches You Can Do Daily
Are you eager to begin stretching? Perform these three quick stretches every day:
1. Fold Forward
Starting from a standing stance, relax your shoulders and arms. Sag forward at your waist. Instead of reaching for your toes, let your upper body dangle and let gravity start working on your spine. To relax your neck muscles, tuck your chin into your chest.
Push from your hips and abs as you slowly stand up straight so that your head and shoulders are the final body parts to stand up straight.
This exercise helps loosen your neck and shoulders while stretching your hamstrings and calves.
2. Leg Hold
Laying on your back, tuck your hips forward to straighten your lower back curve. With your hands supporting it, bring one knee up to your chest. Hold the position for at least 30 seconds before changing to the other leg.
Pushing your knee into your hands will increase resistance, especially for flexible persons. The lower back muscles can be relaxed in this position. You can change up the stretch by holding your knee out to the side to widen your hips or crossing it over the other leg.
3. Cat and Cow
Start by getting on all fours with your back straight. Lift your head and tailbone into a cow stance as you inhale, letting your belly sink. Put your back in the cat stance by bringing your chin to your chest and exhaling fully. Perform each pose three to five times to strengthen the spine while enhancing balance and posture.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the advantages of stretching to improve massage therapy, you can use the information discussed in this article as your guide. You can incorporate stretching into your daily exercise routine to help you achieve long-term health benefits.
Trying to find the best massage service in Los Angeles? Visit MetaTouch. Let our massage therapists relieve your stress, relax your muscles and alleviate the aches and pains in your body. Contact us to set up a consultation.
