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Four Reasons to Book a Massage During the Summer
Monday, June 26, 2023, 12:17 PM
This blog was originally published on August 14, 2018. It has been revised to include new information and links.
Summer is a busy time of year! Between summer sports and activities, kids out of school, and plenty of yard work to go around, it's easy to forget to take a moment and listen to your body.
Here are four reasons that you should take some time for yourself and book a massage this summer:
1. Hot Weather Can Lead to Swelling and Pain
Did you know that temperature change in the summer can affect your muscles? The heat can cause fluctuations in your body's fluid levels, which can lessen the lubrication of your joints, leading to increased inflammation and pain.
Massage therapy is a great way to help increase blood flow and reduce the swelling in your joints. This allows you to be more mobile, decreasing summer aches and pains.
Those with chronic pain may have it even worse. Luckily, a 2022 study found that soft tissue therapy significantly alleviates chronic neck pain. This makes massage therapy a good choice for those suffering from chronic pain.
If your skin is inflamed, painful, or swollen from a sunburn, you may want to rebook your massage appointment. While your massage therapist can avoid any affected areas, waiting until your skin has healed may be more comfortable.
2. Massage Therapy Reduces Stress
Stress happens regardless of what the temperature is outside. But with endless things on the go and trying to make the most out of short months and long days, the stress of summer can mount quickly.
Stress can lead to unwelcome symptoms such as migraines, insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, and more. Massage therapy can address some of these common concerns through stress reduction as well as help some people reduce their blood pressure.
Start with one massage therapy session to ease some of your built-up tension. Then consider your summer plans and activities, and discuss with your therapist how often you should come in for treatments. This will make sure your body is ready to take on anything summer can throw at you!
3. Massage Prepares Your Body for Yard Work
Keeping your backyard beautiful is tough work. Mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, and planting trees — it all takes a toll on your lower back and shoulders, especially when you are bent over or locked in a fixed position for a long time.
The need for yard work doesn't stop until the first snowfall, so a regular massage can reduce inflammation and prevent pain from lingering.
Massage therapy affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems, so it can significantly accelerate your body's healing process. You may also experience increased balance and range of motion after treatment.
4. Massage is a Form of Self-Care
Being busy is part of a normal summer, and it's easy to put self-care on the back burner during the summer, especially when you feel overwhelmed. But self-care can help prevent burnout, so you should prioritize it.
Regular massage therapy appointments during the summer means taking the necessary time to help yourself refocus, relax, and reset.
Since the sun rises earlier and sets later in the summer months, it can throw off your sleep schedule. It's a good thing that getting a massage can contribute to better sleep!
Ready to Book an Appointment?
While these are all great reasons to get a massage, it is also important to remember that you don't need a specific reason to book your next appointment. We encourage you to seek massage therapy year-round! Your body will thank you for it.
Find a massage therapist in your area using the NHPC Member Directory.