| The air is getting crisp and snowflakes are | | | | of skiing, hiking or snowshoeing. |
| beginning to fall. It's the time of year that skiers, | | | | Massage also provides other physical benefits, |
| snowboarders and other winter enthusiasts have | | | | such as promoting balance of the muscles on both |
| 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 of |
| been unaccustomed to during the warmer | | | | toxins throughout the body by encouraging lymph |
| months. The heightened workload put on muscles | | | | drainage. Massage gently stretches the muscles, |
| can cause a burning sensation and soreness that | | | | improving range of motion and flexibility, which is |
| lasts long after the event. It is also common to | | | | an important component to injury prevention. If |
| experience a delayed onset of pain and | | | | you do experience an injury, massage will reduce |
| tenderness, which can disrupt normal activities. | | | | the pain and swelling, allowing your body to heal |
| Injuries from twisting or falling can also cause | | | | itself faster. |
| 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 recovery. |
| Although a deeper, more pressure intensive | | | | Most resorts offer massage as part of their spa |
| massage is beneficial to athletes who are in | | | | services, and the benefits are well worth the cost. |
| training, the weekend athlete's muscles are not as | | | | The next time you are planning to enjoy your |
| conditioned. Therefore, a gentle, light-pressure | | | | favorite winter activity, consider scheduling a |
| massage is recommended for those who | | | | massage to help you perform at your best. |
| experience pain and soreness resulting from a day | | | | |