As a remedial massage therapist, I am a firm believer in the importance of regular massage to counterbalance today’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle. The best way to explain this is to compare your body to your car. Regular servicing and tune ups are the easiest way to ensure your vehicle doesn’t conk out altogether. Causing you more expense, and a massive headache, in the long run.
Why Remedial Massage?
I understand first-hand that sedentary lifestyles are often unavoidable. In my previous job, I’d often find my ears hiked up around my shoulders at the end of a long, desk-bound day. So, even before I changed careers, I was an advocate of regular tune ups. They’re something I still enjoy, and my body definitely sees the benefits of regular remedial massage.
Today, there is a real temptation to spend more time glued to a screen than getting outside and moving our bodies. Obviously, a healthy diet and exercise are both vital to feel great. However, to get the most out of a new exercise or strengthening program, it’s essential to first release any tension or tightness.
Having an understanding of how different parts of the body work in tandem is key to overcoming painful movement patterns. Think about sitting. When you spend long periods of time sitting, at a desk or driving, the hip flexors become short and tight, while the glute muscles ‘switch off’ and become long and weak. When you stand up, your brain finds other muscles to enlist to compensate for the lack of glute activation. When one structure is over working, this automatically affects other structures above and below.
Think now of your upper body. When you’re lugging around a bag or have a phone tucked under your ear your upper traps become overworked and tight, and your lower traps become weak. All of which leads to tightness and discomfort in the shoulders and neck. Over time, these become learned positions, contributing to pain, dysfunction and a reduced range of movement.
Who Is Remedial Massage Suited To?
Whether you’re in training, suffering from headaches, recovering from surgery or just looking to switch off and pamper yourself, massage is a great way to relieve tension and discomfort. At Collins Place Physio, I take a holistic approach to treating clients and use treatment methods tailored to individual needs.
I encourage you to book a remedial massage in our Melbourne CBD physio clinic today, and start experiencing the many benefits of a regular tune up! I look forward to welcoming you in the clinic.
Mariana Stamatopoulos,
Remedial Massage Therapist, Collins Place Physio
