We've all suffered from the soreness associated with an overly exuberant exercise session. But did you know that most Americans experience neck, back and muscle pain from another less-strenuous activity? Surprisingly, it's sitting. Chronic back pain, which is the second most common cause of disability and a top reason for missing work, can be the result of improper posture while sitting and standing.
Additionally, carrying extra weight, poor posture, and repetitive or overuse movements can put strain on the back and other sensitive areas. This strain often results in spasms, tense muscles and pain in your upper back, hips, glutes and hamstrings. So the question is: what relaxes muscles?
Massage (or muscular therapy) gets to the root of the pain by relaxing tense muscles and increasing flexibility. Massage also encourages blood flow to the affected muscles, which can bring increase oxygen and nutrients,. All of this activity reduces swelling and stiffness and increases flexibility to help eliminate pain. Muscular therapy also releases endorphins and boosts your levels of serotonin and dopamine, all hormones your body produces to help you feel good, promote healing and pain management, and calm your nerves.
Benefits of Relaxed Muscles
- Reduces pain that results from tense muscles
- Aids in muscle relaxation
- Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
Helpful Wellness Tip: Deep Tissue Massage focuses on deeper tissue structures with intense pressure to release chronic muscle tension and ultimately relax the body.