Stretching leads to positive, prolonged results when combined with massage therapy. A post-massage stretch can help alleviate any pain or soreness you may feel following a treatment. Deep tissue massage stimulates our muscles in the same way exercise does, increasing blood flow and friction between the fibres.
Between treatments, continued stretching can deliver improved results the next time you visit your massage therapist. Regular stretching makes our joints and muscles more flexible, counteracting the shortening and tightening that comes with ageing.
Better flexibility and reduced tightness lower the risk of tension and injury. The more range of motion we have in our joints, the more we can take advantage of increased flexibility in those joints. When you stretch, you increase circulation by making more room in your tissue to expand blood vessels. This boosts the flow of oxygen and improves waste removal. Excited to start stretching? See what kinds of results you can achieve by doing these four simple stretches every day:.
Start in a standing position with your arms and shoulders relaxed. Bend forward at the waist. Let your upper body hang and allow gravity to go to work on your spine, rather than reaching toward your toes. Tuck your chin into your chest to disengage your neck muscles.
As you slowly stand up straight, push from your hips and abdominals so that your head and shoulders are the last parts of your body to return to upright. This movement will stretch your calves and hamstrings while reducing neck and shoulder tension. Lie on your back and tuck your hips forward, so your low back curve is flattened. Bend one knee up to your chest, holding it in place with your hands. Maintain the pose for at least 30 seconds before switching to the other leg.
