| The air is getting crisp and snowflakes are | | | | a day of skiing, hiking or snowshoeing. |
| beginning to fall. It’s the time of year that | | | | Massage also provides other physical benefits, |
| skiers, snowboarders and other winter enthusiasts | | | | such as promoting balance of the muscles on both |
| have been waiting for. However, when heading | | | | sides of the body. This can aid in athletic |
| outdoors, remember that you are asking your | | | | performance by helping to strengthen one’s |
| body to do things that it hasn’t done in many | | | | weaker side, thereby reducing overcompensation |
| months. It is not uncommon for those who | | | | that could lead to muscle strain or even more |
| partake in winter activities to experience soreness | | | | serious conditions like tendonitis. Improved |
| and increased vulnerability for injuries. | | | | strength will lessen feelings of fatigue and increase |
| Incorporating massage into your winter wellness | | | | endurance. Those who suffer from muscle |
| regimen will boost your muscle performance and | | | | spasms can find relief through therapeutic |
| help keep you healthy and injury-free. | | | | massage, allowing for more enjoyment of their |
| Racing down the slopes on skis or performing | | | | preferred activity. |
| acrobatics with a snowboard is an exhilarating | | | | Massage increases circulation, which helps to carry |
| experience. It also requires your muscles to | | | | nutrients to muscles and tissues while expelling |
| stretch and work in ways that your body has | | | | lactic acid. Massage also promotes the removal |
| been unaccustomed to during the warmer | | | | of toxins throughout the body by encouraging |
| months. The heightened workload put on | | | | lymph drainage. Massage gently stretches the |
| muscles can cause a burning sensation and | | | | muscles, improving range of motion and flexibility, |
| soreness that lasts long after the event. It is | | | | which is an important component to injury |
| also common to experience a delayed onset of | | | | prevention. If you do experience an injury, |
| pain and tenderness, which can disrupt normal | | | | massage will reduce the pain and swelling, allowing |
| activities. Injuries from twisting or falling can also | | | | your body to heal itself faster. |
| cause soreness, as well as having more serious | | | | Therapeutic or sports massage can be an |
| ramifications. A therapeutic massage can gently | | | | excellent way to promote muscle balance, |
| stretch muscles and relieve pain and tenderness. | | | | strength and aid in injury prevention and |
| Although a deeper, more pressure intensive | | | | recovery. Most resorts offer massage as part of |
| massage is beneficial to athletes who are in | | | | their spa services, and the benefits are well worth |
| training, the weekend athlete’s muscles are | | | | the cost. The next time you are planning to |
| not as conditioned. Therefore, a gentle, | | | | enjoy your favorite winter activity, consider |
| light-pressure massage is recommended for those | | | | scheduling a massage to help you perform at |
| who experience pain and soreness resulting from | | | | your best. |