I often talk to my clients about the importance of stretching. Both before and after exercise and also daily between massages to prolong the effects of the treatment.
Muscle injuries are more common than ever and it is not only because of strenuous exercise but also because of a sedentary life style. Micro injuries gained during the exercise as well as during prolonged static posture (more and more hours in the office) will cause muscles to tighten and the end result is pain.
Stretching has similar benefits to massage. You can read more about how massage can help with pain here. It increases blood circulation into the contracted and tight muscles, lengthens the muscle fibres, warms up
muscles to prevent injuries and assists in removal of lactic acid.
When you do stretches, hold the stretch for 15 sec and repeat 2-3 times. You should NOT feel pain, only gentle stretching sensation. Repeat daily.
It can also be helpful to have a hot bath, or use other type of heat therapy before stretching to assist to warm up the muscles.
At the end of your Sports Massage appointment I will help you to find the most suitable stretches for your problem.