Stretching Beyond the Massage Table

How Stretching Extends the Benefits of Your Massage

Stretching feels so great— that satisfying feeling of reaching towards the sky or touching your toes. But did you know that stretching has a ton of benefits beyond just feeling good? From reducing stress to improving flexibility and function, stretching can extend the benefits of your massage treatment when performed correctly. So, put on some stretchy pants and let's go!

First things first: what exactly is stretching? Stretching is a form of exercise that involves elongating the muscles in your body. There are many different types of stretching, including static stretching (where you hold a stretch for a set amount of time) and dynamic stretching (where you move through a range of motion).

So why should you bother stretching? Well, for starters, stretching can help reduce stress and tension in the body. When you're stressed, your muscles tend to tighten up, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Stretching can help release that tension and promote relaxation.

But that's not all – stretching can also improve flexibility and range of motion. By elongating your muscles, you can improve your overall mobility and make it easier to perform everyday activities. Plus, stretching can help prevent injury by keeping your muscles limber and ready for action.

And let's not forget about the mental benefits of stretching. Taking a few minutes to stretch can help clear your mind and improve your mood. In fact, studies have shown that stretching can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

But before you start stretching, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to warm up before you stretch – cold muscles are more prone to injury. And be gentle with yourself – stretching should feel good, not painful. If you are new to stretching and feel any discomfort, back off and try a gentler stretch. You will need to spend some time to learn the proper techniques so can progress safely into more intense stretches. 

If you are looking to make real strides in your journey towards being more flexible, the muscle or muscle group you are targeting needs to be stretched about five minutes in total per week. This can be broken down into a daily routine: one minute per day, or thirty seconds twice a day.

So there you have it – a brief overview of the benefits of stretching. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to improve your overall health, stretching is a simple and effective way to unlock your body's full potential (as well as extending the benefits of your massage treatment). So why not give it a try and see how stretching can benefit you?