Stress has become such a common element of our lives. It affects us in profound ways. Our muscles are stiff, our minds are anxious, and we do not get enough sleep. You can address stress in many ways, and one of those ways is through massage. A good massage can leave you feeling more relaxed and like your stress has melted away. Massage is also good for your muscles and your physical form. It can enhance sports performance and ease the aches of arthritis. This blog explores massage more in-depth, allowing you to learn more about this helpful treatment modality.
When you go through a traumatic event, it can be difficult to feel like you've fully recovered. From your mindset to any physical injuries you experienced, it can take a while to get back to normal. However, whether or not you suffered a physical injury, there's a good chance that the trauma you've been through is having a physical impact on your body. This is why getting a massage right now is such a great idea.
Holding Trauma
You've probably heard the phrase 'holding it in' when referring to emotions. When you go through a trauma, it can feel like you're overflowing with emotions. Whether it's rage, fear, or sorrow, it can be a lot to deal with. Unfortunately, this can often lead to unexpected bodily problems due to physical tension.
Whether or not emotions themselves have a direct impact on muscles, if you're recovering from a trauma, your body is on-guard. Natural survival instincts kick in and are trying to protect you from further harm. In the same way that dogs and cats tense their muscles when defending their territory, humans also sort of tighten up their entire bodies in order to quickly react if something dangerous comes their way again. Unfortunately, this often means that trauma survivors are extremely tense, physically. Consider how your body is feeling right now. You may notice that your neck, shoulders, or back are painful.
Bodily Problems It Can Cause
In the short term, being physically tense can cause physical pain. The last thing you need right now is discomfort. However, it's the long run that causes even bigger problems.
Not everyone gets over their trauma quickly. However, this tension in your body can lead to you having poor posture while sitting, standing, and even lying down in bed. This can put tension on areas that aren't intended to tolerate pressure for prolonged periods of time, increasing the risk of joint damage and stiffness. It may also be difficult for you to restore normal posture without help.
Getting Help
The good news is that a massage could be a big help to you right now. Letting someone else work on your muscles allows them to fully relax. Your masseuse may suggest stretches to do to help maintain your results, as well.
Massage can also be stress-relieving for many people. In addition to loosening up the physical tightness that's already going on, a massage may help to soothe your mind and make you feel less tense in the future.
For more information on massage therapy, contact a professional like Luata L.F. Bray, L.M.T.