Give the Gift of Wellness
The perfect last-minute gift for your loved ones or a well-deserved treat for yourself
15% off all Gift Certificates
(including our most popular Package of 4)
*For your convenience,
in addition to physical gift certificates
we now offer email and instant gift certificates as well
Order online at www.integrativetherapeuticmassage.com or call 773-230-4742
Offer good through December 25, 2010 |
|
Tame Your Holiday Tension!
The wonderful thing about massage is that its effect on tension is almost instantaneous. You feel the tension leaving your body immediately. You don't have to wait days or weeks to see results.
 While the Holidays are a great time to celebrate and reconnect with friends and family, there's no doubt that they can also be stressful and put our already hectic lives into overdrive. Unfortunately, the path of stress frequently leads down the tight muscle road.
Muscle tension is like a car that's idling too fast. The engine is revved up and working hard but nothing is happening with the exception of more wear and tear on the motor. Not only that, but the motor is burning more fuel and creating more pollution. It's the same with muscle tension - your muscles are working hard, but nothing particularly useful is coming from it. The tension doesn't help you move, and it certainly doesn't improve muscle strength.
It does, however, cause a lot of wear and tear on your body. Tension:
- Strains the tendons that connect your muscles to your bones.
- Puts increased pressure on your joints.
- Limits your movement and range of motion.
- Interferes with your co-ordination and may even make you more accident-prone.
Although tension can develop in any muscle in your body, your neck, shoulders and back are must vulnerable and are the areas most commonly affected.
It's important that you get your tension under control. Not only will you feel more comfortable, but you'll also prevent a lot of problems from occurring, from pains in your neck to early arthritis. Thankfully, because of massage, relief is not far away! Read more |
|
Don't "Trap" Your Tension!
One of the areas most likely to get tense is the shoulders. An important shoulder muscle notorious for trapping tension is the trapezius - often referred to as the "trap". You can help prevent tension from building up in this muscle.
If you are sitting or standing still for any significant period of time, be sure to move the muscle through a full range of motion once in awhile. We suggest the 20/20 Rule: For every twenty minutes that you are inactive, spend twenty seconds moving. This helps ensure that your muscles don't have the opportunity to lock into any particular position.
Click here for two simple exercises to bring your traps through a full range of motion and to keep your muscles relaxed and tension-free. _________________________________________
If you have specific health concerns, consult your medical doctor. The information in this newsletter is educational only and is not intended to replace the advice of your personal health providers.
|
