Some jobs are more stressful, others require you to be on your feet for long periods, and some involve heavy lifting or other physically strenuous activity. All these factors can lead to pain and muscle tension, which is why massage therapy can be so beneficial for people in certain professions.
If you find yourself in one of the following careers, you may want to consider getting routine massage therapy.
A Corporate Desk Job
If you work in an office, chances are you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. While sitting isn't necessarily bad for you, it can lead to tightness in the shoulders and neck as well as headaches.
When you sit, your head is in a forward position, which puts strain on the muscles and nerves in the neck and shoulders. The added strain eventually starts affecting your posture and can even lead to problems with your spine.
Additionally, if you work at a desk all day, you may also suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, which can cause the muscles and tendons in the area to become irritated.
Massage therapy can help relieve the tension in your neck and shoulders as well as improve your posture. It can also help reduce the inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, providing much-needed relief from pain and discomfort. The massage therapist will focus on the muscles and tendons in the affected area, using techniques like deep tissue massage to release the tension.
Warehouse Attendant
Working in a warehouse can be tough on the body. You may find yourself lifting heavy boxes or standing for long periods. This can lead to stress on the lower back, hips, and legs. Usually, the discomfort starts off gradually but gets worse over time. This is why many people don't even know they have a problem until they start to feel pain.
Massage therapy can help relieve the pain and tension in the lower back, hips, and legs. The therapist will focus on the muscles in these areas, using techniques like Swedish massage to loosen them up. Deep tissue massage can also help relieve pain caused by trigger points, which are knots that form in the muscle when it's under too much stress.
Trigger point massage can be uncomfortable at first, but it's very effective at relieving pain. The therapist will use their fingers, elbows, or a massager to apply pressure to the knots. This pressure breaks up the knots and allows for better circulation. Eventually, the target muscles will start to relax, which lessens most of the pain. Regular visits to the massage therapist can help prevent the trigger points from reforming.
Getting routine massage therapy can help relieve pain and prevent further injury if you work in either of these professions. Talk to your massage therapist to see how often you should go in for an appointment. If you have any specific concerns, be sure to mention them so the therapist can tailor the session to your needs.
Contact a company like Northside Myofascial-Release Center for more information.