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! For many people, we travel to get a sense of adventure, to take in new experiences, and to create memories that last a lifetime. But let's be honest, the journey itself can sometimes leave you feeling stiff, sore, and less than thrilled, especially as our bodies start getting a little bit older. While reaching our destination as quickly as possible to enjoy ourselves is a top priority, neglecting ergonomics throughout the travel process can put a damper on the whole trip, and can strike without warning. Fortunately, at Living Touch Massage, we have a few tricks up our sleeves that can help prevent these aches and pains, and let you focus on the things that matter! Ergonomics: Your Secret Weapon for a Smooth Journey
Ergonomics is all about designing your environment to fit you, not the other way around. This becomes especially important when navigating the sometimes awkward realities of travel. By incorporating a few simple ergonomic hacks, you can transform your journey from a pain-inducing experience into the comfortable, stress-free adventure that you crave. An easy way to incorporate ergonomics is by upgrading your luggage. Ditch the traditional two-wheeled suitcase and get a 360-degree spinner. This allows you to move your luggage effortlessly, eliminating dragging a heavy bag behind you. If you’re debating between checking a bag or bringing a carry on, consider your back. If your trip involves heavy luggage, consider checking a bag instead of struggling with an overloaded carry-on. For shorter trips with lighter packing, a backpack is your best friend. The weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders, taking the pressure off your back and arms. Even packing a hoodie can take your comfort while traveling to the next level. Airplanes and airports can fluctuate in temperature. A hoodie provides an extra layer of warmth when you're feeling chilly, which can help prevent muscle tension that comes with shivering. A well-fitting hoodie with a hood can offer some light neck support, especially when you're slumped over in a seat trying to sleep. This can help maintain better spinal alignment and reduce neck and shoulder strain. If you're prone to headaches or migraines, the hood can be used to apply gentle pressure around the head, which some find helps alleviate pain. Traveling often involves planes, trains, and automobiles. Here at Living Touch Massage, we are here for your therapeutic needs, but we are also here for preventive advice. Maintaining good posture is essential, sitting up straight with your shoulders back and relaxed, and avoiding slouching. If you're driving, adjust your seat and steering wheel for optimal comfort. Avoid hunching over the wheel, and adjust the mirrors for proper visibility to minimize neck strain. Taking breaks while driving or flying and being able to stand up and move helps improve circulation and reduces stiffness. When traveling on a bus or train, choose a window seat if possible, so you can lean against the window for support. Get up and walk around the carriage whenever possible. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, which can contribute to fatigue and muscle cramps. Travel Essentials for Ergonomic Comfort Once you're on the move, here are some travel must-haves to keep you feeling comfortable and supported:
Remember, It's All About the Journey By incorporating these ergonomic travel hacks, you can transform your journey into a comfortable and enjoyable experience. When returning home, Living Touch Massage will be able to assess your needs and concerns and offer therapeutic techniques. So relax, focus on the adventure ahead, and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore! At Living Touch Massage, we know the importance of a healthy routine. Jogging and power walking are fantastic ways to get your heart rate up and burn calories, but it's crucial to prioritize proper form to avoid injury. Here are some extended tips to keep your body aligned while you hit the pavement: Sole Support: Invest in the Right Shoes
Running and walking both put stress on your feet and ankles, which can travel up your legs and cause lower back pain. Fight back by wearing shoes specifically designed for your chosen activity. Don't skimp! Change your shoes regularly, typically every 300-500 miles for running shoes and every year for walking shoes. Consider having a separate pair specifically for your workouts. Proper footwear provides cushioning, arch support, and stability specific to the demands of jogging or power walking. Uneven Terrain? Be Mindful of the Grade When you're out jogging or power walking, pay attention to the incline of the road. It's easy to overlook, but even a slight crest can have consequences. As you walk or run on an uneven surface, one leg is often lower than the other. This can lead to imbalances in your hips, knees, and even your neck over time. To avoid these issues, prioritize flat paths whenever possible. If you must walk on an incline, try to alternate directions on your route so that each leg gets equal work on the incline and decline. Level Up Your Walk: Seek Flat Surfaces While nature trails might seem like a scenic alternative to sidewalks, they often come with uneven terrain. This can be a nice occasional change of pace, but for consistent exercise, it's generally better to stick to level surfaces like sidewalks or tracks. This will help you maintain proper form and reduce the risk of developing pain in your back, hips, and knees. Listen to Your Body: Warm Up, Cool Down, and Stretch Just like any workout, proper warm-up and cool-down are essential for jogging and power walking. Dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and lunges will prepare your muscles for movement and help prevent injuries. After your workout, dedicate time to static stretches that hold each pose for 20-30 seconds to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. Form Matters: Maintain Proper Posture While you're out there, focus on maintaining good posture. Here's the key:
Don't underestimate the importance of staying hydrated! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. You may also want to consider a sports drink for longer walks or jogs, especially in hot weather. Additionally, fuel your body with a healthy snack beforehand and replenish your energy stores with a balanced meal afterward. Living Touch Massage: Here to Help You Keep Moving Whether you're a seasoned jogger or a power walking newbie, prioritizing proper form is key to preventing injuries. By following these tips and listening to your body, you can keep your walks and jogs enjoyable and pain-free. And if you do experience any discomfort, Living Touch Massage os here to help. We can provide targeted relief, identify areas of tightness that may be contributing to pain, and offer advice on how to prevent future issues. Let's keep you moving comfortably! The call of the yard beckons, promising fresh air and a sense of accomplishment. But before you dive into raking that mountain of leaves or shoveling the winter's wrath, remember: your body is not a bulldozer. Just like any physical activity, yard work demands respect for proper ergonomics, or those pesky aches and pains will be back faster than a runaway squirrel. Ditch the Static, Embrace the Flow:
Even with the best intentions, yard work can leave your muscles feeling like battle-weary soldiers. This is where massage therapy steps in, offering sweet relief:
If you are a working person in 2023, you know that productivity is king in many facets of life. Your boss expects increases in productivity, and often we project high productivity within our personal lives when it comes to maintaining our social life, homes, families, etc. With all of the demands of everyday life, a person can begin to feel overwhelmed, and burnout can occure. The solution to this is very simple, but for many, it doesn’t seem possible. That solution is rest. While the question of productivity vs rest came to light during the madness of 2020, it has been something bubbling up for a couple decades now. It’s almost become a question of “does taking time to rest make you a lazy person?” Our answer is no. You are a living breathing entity. Our bodies are not made to be worked to the bone day in and day out. It’s essential for not only our physical health, but our mental health, to be able to sit back and rest. Rest your body. Rest your mind. You are not a robot. ![]() Why has rest become seen as a sign of weakness or laziness? We live in a productivity obsessed culture. Taking breaks can make one feel lazy or immoral because that is valuable time that we could be dedicating to output. In fact, most people directly link their output or productivity to their worth as a person. If you think about a day where you have nailed a presentation, closed a big deal, or made a really good proposal, you feel like you’re on top of the world. You have that sense that you’re a person of value, and worthy of your keep. On the other hand, days when you feel sluggish, your output may not be as high, and you can start to wonder why your boss keeps you around or that you’re just not good at whatever it is you do. So you end up pushing through those days to reinforce that you are valuable. This can become a toxic cycle if gone unchecked, and can lead to a decline, not of quantity, but the quality of your work. Your brain is a muscle
If you’ve ever been to the gym, you know that between each workout, and even between each set within a workout, you need to plan time to rest that targeted muscle group. Biologically, it is essential to get the results you want. If you don’t take these breaks, your muscles deplete and you can’t eek out another rep. Your brain is no different. When you mentally extend yourself, your brain begins to slow down, and doesn’t make connections as easily as when it is “working fresh”. At this point, your work or your relationships begin to suffer. Just because you're producing, doesn’t mean you’re fully present, and it doesn’t mean what you’re producing is at a standard that is worthwhile. Rest is essential to your brain so it can function properly. It’s time to reframe the need for rest. It is not taking away productivity. It is enhancing your productivity! Whether your version of rest is a nap, a walk, taking a bath, reading a book or our personal favorite, Getting a massage; they are all in service to improved health, creativity and productivity. After all, even God took a day to rest! A restful night's sleep is often something that can be elusive for many of us. Between 10% and 30% of adults struggle with chronic insomnia. It is believed between 30% and 48% of older adults experience insomnia. Many people simply acclimate to their situation, and live life constantly tired. While this may work for them, we don’t recommend it. Being well rested shouldn’t be unattainable for anyone. We’ve put together a list of some recommendations that we hope will help you get the rest you need so you may live a full, happy, WELL RESTED life! ![]() Put yourself on a sleep schedule This one seems obvious, but is it something you’ve tried? If so, do you close your eyes once you’re in bed, or do you find yourself scrolling social media? I think that most parents, especially those with babies or young children, would agree that getting their children on a sleep schedule makes their lives easier. Not only does it help mom and dad get into a routine for themselves to accomplish their parental duties, it is vital if you want to curb those sleepy eyed temper tantrums from the little ones. Implementing a sleep schedule for yourself is doing the same thing, although we hope you’ve learned to manage your emotions a tad more than a toddler! Even so, adults can also get very cranky and short with others when not rested. Seven hours is the recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult. Most people don’t need more than eight hours to be well rested. If you can, go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even weekends to reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you find yourself not falling asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing. Pick up a book, and read a chapter. Listen to some calming music. Anything to help lull you into a sleepy state, and go back to bed. Repeat as needed, but maintain the sleep/wake up schedule you’ve set for yourself. Pro tip: Cut off all electronic stimulation a half hour before your bedtime. Monitor what you’re consuming throughout the day Discomfort from either eating too much OR not having eaten enough could be keeping you awake. Caffeine, alcohol, and even nicotine can also be major factors too. Stimulants can take hours to wear off, and are likely hindering your sleep, and while alcohol can make you sleepy at first, but when it metabolizes while you’re asleep it can wake you up. Everyone’s experience will be different based on your history, but pay attention to your body, and make adjustments to see if they have any impact. Your bedroom. Is it set up for rest? The space where we sleep has a huge impact on how we sleep. Is your bedroom set up to be a place of rest, or is it chaotic? An ideal set up for your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Any light, or noises (except for white noise) can really mess with your ability to sleep. Our body temperatures naturally drop during sleep. A cooler room will assist in getting you to sleep, and more importantly, STAYING asleep. Light also has the same effect, especially if you’re not a heavy sleeper. Black out curtains can help eliminate as much light as possible. The condition you keep your room in is key as well. We’re not saying that it needs to be completely sterile, with everything in its place. We know that’s not realistic for everyone. However, it is hard to be restful surrounded by chaos. Tidy up your room and give it a try! Make time for physical activity every day If you have a job at a desk, or something that doesn’t require much physical exertion, you’re probably mentally tired by the time you get home, but not physically tired. It’s important to get your body moving. Sleep is meant to repair our bodies, however, if your body doesn’t need to be repaired from lack of activity, it might be cheating you out of valuable sleep time! Try getting outside for a little while each day to move your body. It doesn’t have to be major. A half hour in the garden, maybe an hour long walk. Something to trick your body into being physically tired is what you’re looking for. Are you a bedtime worrier? If you’re like me, bedtime is when you tend to reflect on the day you just had, and start thinking about the day ahead. If your daily life is busy, you probably find yourself already worrying about tomorrow, and making a to-do list in your head while you're laying down waiting to go to sleep. In my experience, those thoughts can swirl around inside your head for hours on end. Work on those worries and concerns before bed. Keep a notepad and pen on your nightstand. Get them out of your head and onto paper so those thoughts are waiting for you when you wake up, but aren’t swirling around in your head while you try to fall asleep! You may need some deeper stress management work as well. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety. A worried mind is hard to get to rest. Instead of kicking the can of stress down the road for tomorrow, do yourself a favor and deal with it today. Closing thoughts As you can see, there are a variety of reasons that can be preventing you from getting the sleep you need and deserve! Try out a few of our suggestions to see if they could help you out! Just remember that your sleep habits are ingrained within your body, and whatever you try, give it a reasonable amount of time before trying the next thing. Until our next blog, Take Care! When was the last time you nurtured your spirit? We tend to focus a great deal of our energy and time nurturing the physical body through diet and exercise, but our spiritual health is often forgotten, ignored, or pushed to the back of our minds when we need to focus on something else. What Is Spiritual Self-Care?
Spirituality has different meanings for everybody, usually influenced by the ideologies you grew up with. Many associate spirituality with religion or cultural traditions. Observing rituals, attending religious services or ceremonies, and studying religious texts are types of spiritual self-care for billions of people around the world. For others, the concept of spirituality is experienced in nature, in personal relationships, or within oneself. It could be through art, music, and dance; anything that is meaningful and kindles a sense of sacredness, even if only felt by the individual. Spirituality is a personal practice. No matter what path is chosen, they all converge upon something you desire on some level—the need for connection, purpose, and happiness. Not only does springtime thaw the earth around us, but it also thaws our bodies. The changing of seasons can bring out unique aches and pains. This transition between seasons is a good time to add massage into your self care routine. A deep tissue massage combines deeper pressure massage techniques for health improvement, easing any muscle discomfort you may be experiencing.
We’re always told to lift with our legs and not our back. Lifting with our legs helps lessen the strain on our back. However, lifting isn’t the only time we can work on minimizing the strain on our back. In our day-to-day lives, we need to be more aware of our body positioning. Just like Barbie, if we keep our backs straight and work on bending at the pelvis, we can improve our back pain.
It is important be healthy and take care of your body. Two things most people think of when discussing a healthy lifestyle is their diet and fitness routine. These things are both important parts of living a healthy life, but how does massage fit in?
If you plan on getting a massage pre-workout, it is suggested that you go for a light massage. A light massage helps warm up the muscles and makes them more flexible. However, if you plan on working out after a deep tissue massage, you might want to think again. This can lead to increased soreness, and it can inhibit the effectiveness of the tissue work done during your massage. There are five major benefits to post-workout massages: |
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