Massage News - Articles of Interest
 Can you believe it is July already? The warm weather has taken over up here and it is amazing. The sun beating down, a light breeze here and there, and having green grass between your toes is just the best feeling. Whether your down time is spent catching rays on the shore of Lake Bemidji, laying in the shade in a hammock, running around with the kids and a soccer ball - or getting a massage, it is important to make sure that you take care of your body. Summer brings a whole new array of activities, and sometimes the body just can’t keep up. Here are a few ergonomic tips for Minnesotan’s favorite activities: Fishing Is it really a Minnesota summer without fishing? With long days sitting on the boat or on shore, fishing is a lot of people’s favorite relaxing activity. However, there are some ergonomics that are important to keep in mind when trying to hook the biggest fish.
Camping There’s so many beautiful places to enjoy camping in Minnesota and beyond, but it is important to remember not to go too wild. Avoid strain and make mindful movements when setting up camp.
Volleyball Bump, set, spike! Pass on diving for the ball this summer, your body will thank you. Volleyball brings dynamic movements that your body just might not be ready for or accommodating to.
Swimming While swimming is considered low-impact, it is important to still pay attention to the movements and how it affects your body!
Golfing We’ve all heard those horror stories of those who threw out their back on that first swing of the golfing season. Let’s avoid that and follow simple ergonomics!
Summer in Minnesota is off to a hot start! Don’t miss your favorite activities due to pain! Schedule your massage today.
July is here, and with it comes the irresistible call of the water! Whether you're diving into a refreshing pool, conquering waves at the beach, or gracefully gliding across a lake, swimming is a fantastic way to cool down and stay active. But did you know that even this seemingly effortless activity can benefit from a touch of ergonomics?  Balance is Key: Ergonomics is all about creating harmony between your body and the environment. When swimming, proper technique ensures balanced muscle usage. Unequal strokes or kicking with more force on one side can lead to muscle imbalances and potential injuries. Balance is an easy way to incorporate ergonomics into everyday life. Unbalanced muscles can cause one muscle group to be overworked, this overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, soreness, and eventually pain. A skilled massage therapist at Living Touch Massage Therapy can assess your posture and identify any imbalances, creating a personalized treatment plan to address them.
Freestyle swimming often involves breathing to one side. While this is perfectly acceptable, it's important to be mindful of potential neck strain. Regularly switching the side you breathe on helps distribute the load evenly and prevents muscle tightness. Muscle imbalances can affect your posture as your body tries to compensate for the weakness on one side. This can lead to slouching, hunching, or other postural deviations that can cause pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, a massage therapist can help loosen any tension in the neck and shoulders that may arise from repetitive swimming motions. Whether you're packing up for a day trip or a week-long beach vacation, consider ergonomics when choosing your beach essentials. Even when traveling to the beach, it’s easy to get caught up in hauling heavy essentials. Try a backpack-style beach bag to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders. This will help prevent neck and shoulder strain compared to carrying a heavy tote bag on one arm. Invest in a cooler with wheels to avoid lugging a heavy cooler back and forth from the car. This will save your back and arms from unnecessary strain. Ditch the flimsy beach towels and try for a supportive beach mat that provides proper lumbar support. Look for beach chairs with adjustable backs to maintain good posture while soaking up the sun. If you're using an umbrella, adjust it to provide shade without forcing you to twist or strain your body to stay cool. Remember, even lounging can lead to aches and pains if your body isn't properly supported. Here at Living Touch Massage Therapy, we believe in prevention. By incorporating ergonomic practices into your swimming routine, you can minimize the risk of muscle imbalances and injuries. Early detection and treatment of muscle imbalances are crucial to prevent these potential problems. Additionally, scheduling regular massages can help maintain flexibility, improve range of motion, and decrease muscle soreness, keeping you swimming strong all summer long! Ready to Dive In? Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, Living Touch Massage Therapy is here to help you make the most of your aquatic adventures. Our massage therapists can provide expert advice on maintaining proper form while swimming and address any muscle imbalances that may arise. So, pack your swimsuit, embrace the sunshine, and let Living Touch Massage Therapy help you have a healthy, pain-free summer! |
