What a Joyful time of Year!
What a joyful time of year!
The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing merrily by day, and the tree frogs serenade us at night. (I love the tree frogs)
The sun has finally shone long enough to thaw the soil for planting and for outdoor land and water sports. Whether you’re an avid gardener, golfer, competitive athlete, casual exerciser, or a weekend warrior, Massage Therapy is an effective way to manage the ups and downs of an active lifestyle.
After a season or two of hibernating and less physical activity, some of our muscles haven’t been worked in a while. Oh and don’t let us know what they think of our often overenthusiastic first foray in the garden, on the links, the courts, in the water, or the field! People often come in with soreness, stiffness, back pain, and more when gardening and sports season begins.
Soreness, stiffness, sprains, and strains can impair your ability to keep doing what you love to do. Research has shown that Massage Therapy can relieve pain and stiffness, improve flexibility, and ignite the healing process. If there is already an issue troubling you, Massage Therapy can help identify the root cause and correct it through physical treatment, adjustments to your strength and/or stretch programs, and postural adjustments.
Our bodies have wonderful self-healing abilities and massage is an excellent way to encourage them. Studies have shown that when we experience touch that feels safe like Massage Therapy, our bodies release Serotonin (a mood elevator) and Endorphins (our bodies natural pain and stress reliever). The sooner any muscle tension is released, the easier it is for the muscle to regain its natural health.
But did you know that Massage Therapy before a strenuous day in the garden, or at your sport, can minimize that stiffness and soreness by increasing circulation to the muscles and myofascial tissue around joints. In this way, Massage Therapy prepares your body for activity, can enhance your performance, prevent soreness from setting in, and reduce the chance of injury.
Regular maintenance massage treatments can help identify and correct issues before they become a problem that could keep you out of your sport or garden. Overall, Massage Therapy aims to improve range of motion, flexibility, and to support safe and effective movement.
Whether it’s gardening or sports, always take time to warm up beforehand, stay hydrated, take breaks, and stretch afterwards.
Deborah Gurash has treated many gardeners, professional and amateur athletes over the years, including Toronto Argonauts, Olympians, a wrestling team, dancers, gymnasts, hockey players, dragon boat racers, golfers, and marathoners.
Gardeners, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and weekend warriors from young children to seniors. All can benefit from Massage Therapy!
If you have extended health benefits for massage, your kids do too. Massage Therapy is a tax deductible medical expense.
At Healthy Spirit Fitness, purchase Biofreeze, a plant-based roll-on, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for in between appointments.
Contact Us at Healthy Spirit Fitness to book your appointments today!