Can Massage Therapy Assist with the Effects of Prolonged Sitting?

The human body is designed for movement. Yet, many of us spend hours at a desk on computers or driving, putting our bodies into static positions. This creates poor posture, shortens muscles, and stresses our circulatory and lymphatic systems. In our technology-driven world, spending many hours at a desk is often unavoidable. We tend to hunch our shoulders, extend our necks forward, and collapse our lower backs, contributing to back, neck, and gluteal pain, often recreating sciatic-type discomfort or headaches.

Sitting for long periods has been known to affect our mood. Cortisol, our stress hormone, when released over a long period, can make us susceptible to anxiety and depression.

So, the good news is, yes! Regular remedial massage, along with moderate physical exercise and stretching, can significantly improve the damage caused by prolonged sitting. The main ways your Remedial Massage Therapist can assist are highlighted in the following points:

Improving Mobility and Tension:

– Massage opens up the shortened chest muscles caused by slumping shoulders, allowing for a more upright posture.

– It releases tight hips, glutes, and hamstrings, allowing for better movement in the hips and discouraging niggly sciatic-type discomfort from those tight muscles pinching on the nerves.

– Reduces tension in the neck from computer mouse usage and possible headaches.

Improving Posture:

– Reduces tightness in the muscles that are pulling the body out of alignment, allowing the body to stand as it is designed.

Improved Circulation:

– Blood flow decreases in certain areas of the body when we sit for too long, leading to poor circulation, swollen feet, and numbness in the legs.

– Massage brings a fresh blood supply to those restricted areas and removes waste products via the lymphatic system.

Improved Mood and Sleep:

– Massage therapy boosts circulation and sparks the release of endorphins or “Happy Hormones,” which naturally improve mood and sleep and decrease feelings of anxiety. The ambient space created by the massage therapist is designed to promote a calm space to relax, rest, and revive.

So, What Now?

If you are dealing with any issues related to prolonged sitting, integrating regular massage sessions can mitigate the effects. Lisa Wasilew is a Remedial Massage Therapist and registered Nurse skilled at targeting specific issues related to posture using a variety of techniques, including cupping, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Book through our lovely reception or online. Health Fund rebates are available.