Are you a swimmer looking for a way to enhance your training routine? Learn more about the benefits of massage chairs for swimmers.
On April 7th of every year, people around the globe celebrate World Health Day. The tradition started in 1948 and is meant to bring attention to global health issues for people worldwide.
However, this is seen as a day to realign your focus and celebrate healthy living habits – or create new ones.
If you’re trying to find ways to spend World Health Day, the tips and advice below can help.
Tips and Advice on How to Spend World Health Day
Health and well-being are at the core of this eventful day, and there are a lot of ways that you can spend the day:
- Educate yourself and others about health inequalities around the world. Vulnerable groups of people can be found in every country, and it’s important to reflect on this fact and discover ways that you can help others.
- Healthy food that is well-balanced and nutrient-rich should always be part of the celebration. You can take it a step further by sharing recipes for these delicious meals and helping others turn their kitchen into a source of personal health.
- Recommend in-office changes so that everyone can lead a happier, pain-free life. Sitting in the office for long hours is being called the “new smoking.” Long periods of sitting can lead to higher body fat, high cholesterol levels and blood sugar and an array of other health-related issues. Add in bad posture, and your time in the office may be impacting your health more than you realize. Recommend ergonomic chairs, sit-stand desks and even massage to promote circulation.
- Group fitness activities can be incorporated into the day, such as everyone going out for a hike together, taking a yoga session or going to the gym in a group.
- Dedicate 20 – 30 minutes to get moving, whether that means a quick gym session or following along with a trainer on YouTube. You can go for a walk, run, bike ride – do anything that makes your heart beat faster.
Why?
Let's find out.
Reasons Why Massage Chairs Are Ideal for World Health Day Celebrations
Massage is something that you do for you. A lot of people have aches and pains, stress and swelling that they wish they could get rid of but never schedule an appointment with a massage therapist.
If you have a massage chair, you can celebrate health every day.
In fact, there are many reasons to choose massage chairs for this big day:
- Everyone can benefit from a massage, from kids to seniors
- Massage is known for relieving stress, and stress is linked to high blood pressure and health problems
- Aches and pains subside after a massage, and a single massage may help jumpstart the healing process
- The “feel good” hormones that allow you to be happy and healthy increase during massage
Plus, you can put on soothing music or light incense to help improve the relaxing effect of massage therapy. If you want a single way to make yourself and anyone who is celebrating World Health Day with you feel better, massage is the one thing you should incorporate.
Adjust The Parameters of The Chair and Customize the Massage to Your Individual Needs
While we recommend massage on World Health Day, we do want to mention that massage’s benefits are amplified when you:
- Adjust the chair
- Customize the massage
First, you’ll want to consider all of the chair’s features. Do you have a tight back, or do you want to increase the effectiveness of the massage? Turn on the lumbar heat function if it exists. Heat will help to soothe sore muscles or loosen tight ones.
Massage intensity can be adjusted in most high-end chairs, allowing for a more intense massage. We recommend that you start with medium intensity and adjust up or down as necessary.
A more intense setting will help you target deeper muscle pain or pinpoint areas that a light intensity cannot.
Finally, what type of massage would you like? There are a multitude of massage techniques that a chair can mimic, such as:
- Swedish
- Hot stone
- Shiatsu
- Deep tissue
- Etc.
If the chair does offer AcuPressure therapy, you’ll also want to try out this feature for yourself. AcuPressure therapy can target areas of the body that a regular massage cannot.
Are you curious about which Human Touch massage chairs will work best for you? The following chairs are among the best in our lineup:
WholeBody ROVE Massage Chair
ROVE requires just a 3” rear clearance and will provide a deep, intense massage with the help of S- and L-track massage technology. Manually extend the footrest to massage your lower extremities or choose from eight wellness programs.
You can enjoy a stretch, full-body or recovery program at any time.
With dual-lumbar heat, zero gravity seating and more, this is one of the best massage chairs for anyone celebrating World Health Day.
Click here for more information.
Super Novo Massage Chair
Super Novo is a beautiful massage chair that provides a three-dimensional massage to work from the top of the spine all the way down to your thighs. This state-of-the-art chair also has a four-dimensional massage to provide as realistic of a human massage as possible.
Additionally, the chair has:
- S- and L-track massage tracks
- Calf, knee and foot massage
- Acupressure technology
- Dual-lumbar heat
- Zero-gravity function
- Full-body stretch
- So much more
Click here for more information.
Certus Massage Chair
Certus has a rear clearance of just 0.2”, allowing it to fit comfortably in smaller spaces. This feature-rich chair has 11 auto wellness programs, AcuPoint detection, 3D massage technology, zero-gravity seating and so much more.
Add in dual-lumbar heat and this chair helps you melt stress away.
Click here for more information.
Final Thought
Human Touch massage chairs and World Health Day go together perfectly. Whether you’re taking a stand to improve your own health or holding a celebration on April 7th, massage is one of the things you can offer yourself and others.
With your own personal massage chair, you can enjoy the benefits of massage any time you wish.
Massage can do wonders for your health and well-being. In fact, the right massage chair can even help promote or improve heart health. Let’s take a closer look at how massage chairs encourage heart health and how to find the right chair for your needs.
How Massage Chairs Can Help Improve Heart Health
A massage chair is more than just a luxury – it’s an investment in your health and well-being. In fact, using a massage chair regularly may help support heart health.
Here’s how:
May Help Lower Blood Pressure
It’s estimated that nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and has been linked to a higher risk of a heart attack.
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of hypertension, but regular sessions in a massage chair can also help. In fact, one study found that massage chairs significantly reduced perceived stress and blood pressure in participants.
May Improve Circulation
Massage chairs can also support heart health by improving circulation. Research has shown that massages can help improve vascular function, even in people who haven’t exercised.
Improving blood circulation helps move blood and lymph fluids through the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs.
Lower Anxiety and Stress
One of the most well-known benefits of massages is reduced anxiety and stress. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and even contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Regular massages in a massage chair can help you relax and de-stress. Massage can alleviate tension and help you take a much-needed break from your everyday stresses.
Wellbeing Massage Chairs
Massage chairs can help support heart health, but which one should you buy? First, let’s look at the types of massage chairs that are best for heart health and what features to look for when choosing your chair.
Types Of Massage Chairs
There are several types of massage chairs out there, but if you’re looking for heart health benefits, full body massage chairs are the best option.
A full body massage chair will have:
- S- and L-track massagers
- Leg and foot massagers
These chairs help get the blood flowing and alleviate tension throughout the entire body to help reduce stress.
Special Features of Massage Chairs
Modern massage chairs have features that can make the massage experience feel just like the real thing. Along with providing a full-body massage, many chairs also have:
- Acupressure features
- Lumbar heating to further reduce tension and pain
- Built-in speakers, so you can listen to relaxing music
You’ll find that many Human Touch massage chairs have these features and can help support heart health and overall well-being.
1. WholeBody ROVE Massage Chair
The WholeBody ROVE massage chair offers a full-body massage experience and a stretch function to kick stress and tension to the curb. ROVE also offers:
- S- and L-track massage
- Dual lumbar heart
- 8 built-in wellness programs, including Recovery, Full-Body and Stretch
- Smart tablet remote
- Extended foot and calf massager
- Zero Gravity position
The ROVE only needs 3” of wall clearance to get into the Zero Gravity position, making this chair an excellent option for smaller spaces.
The built-in programs, lumbar heat and extended massage track make this chair a great option for supporting well-being and heart health.
Where To Buy
Get the WholeBody ROVE chair at Human Touch
2. Super Novo Massage Chair
The Super Novo is a high-end massage chair loaded with features that help support your well-being and your heart health, including:
- S- and L-track massage that targets the entire spine and back of the legs
- Built-in calf, foot and knee massager for a whole-body experience
- 3D and 4D massage programs
- Built-in premium sound system
- 38 wellness programs, including recovery, deep tissue and stretch programs
- Cloud Touch acupressure system
- Dual lumbar heating
- Unibody track that covers 60% more of the back compared to conventional massage chairs
- Zero gravity position
Super Novo provides a fully immersive massage experience, allowing you to truly relax and de-stress during your sessions. Cloud Touch acupressure further helps stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
And with this chair, you can kick back into the Zero Gravity position to take the stress off of your spine.
Where To Buy
Get the Super Novo massage chair at Human Touch
3. Certus Massage Chair
The Certus massage chair comes packed with auto wellness programs and a sleek modern design that fits into any home. More importantly, this chair will provide a full body massage experience and is a great option for those wanting a more vigorous massage.
The Certus features:
- 11 built-in auto wellness programs
- Extended foot and calf massage
- S- and L-track massage
- Zero Gravity seating
- Dual lumbar and foot heating
- Built-in sound system
- Zero Gravity position
- Cloud Touch acupressure
The Certus also has our unique AcuPoint Detections system, which scans the body and maps massage programs for a personalized experience.
Best of all, this chair doesn’t require any wall clearance to move into a reclining position.
Where To Buy
Get the Certus massage chair at Human Touch
4. Gravis ZG Chair
The Gravis ZG chair is ideal for anyone wanting a gentler massage and a chair that will blend in with their home or office décor.
The Gravis uses air massage technology to deliver a very gentle massage that helps promote circulation and relaxation. This chair features:
- Multiple heat zones
- Power adjustable backrest, headrest and footrest
The Gravis ZG doesn’t have an advanced massage system, but the air massage technology can provide a gentle massage that can help melt away stress.
Where To Buy
Get the Gravis ZG massage chair at Human Touch
Final Thoughts
Massage chairs are a smart investment in your health and well-being. Regular massage sessions in your favorite chair can help promote better circulation, healthy blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety. All of these effects support heart health while helping improve your quality of life. These four chairs from Human Touch come equipped with the features you need to enjoy all of the heart-health benefits of massage.
Winter activities like snowboarding, skiing and skating are fun ways to stay active in the cold winter months, but they can be hard on the body. Muscle aches and soreness can leave you feeling miserable after a weekend on the slopes.
A good massage can help you feel better or even prevent soreness in the first place. The great news is that you don’t have to go far to enjoy a therapeutic massage. An at-home massage chair can help melt away stress and tension in minutes.
How Massage Chairs Help You Relax After Active Winter Sports
A full body massage chair is a great investment if you enjoy winter activities or lead an active life in general. Here’s how they can help you relax after engaging in active winter sports.
Massage Chairs Can Help Improve Blood Circulation
One major benefit of massages is that they help improve blood circulation. For example, one 2020 study found that a five-minute leg massage helped improve blood flow to the affected leg and the surrounding area. An older study saw similar results.
Improving blood flow benefits the body in many ways:
- Reduces stiffness
- Promotes flexibility
- Helps you feel more relaxed
- Helps soothe aches Improves breathing
When you have a massage chair at home, you can enjoy these benefits anytime you want.
If you’ve spent the afternoon or weekend snowboarding, skiing or doing some other winter activity, a massage session can do wonders to alleviate aches and pains. That's why so many active people use massage chairs as sports recovery equipment.
The increased blood flow also helps your body heal and recover faster after rigorous activity. In addition, better circulation helps deliver more nutrients to your damaged muscles.
How Massage Chairs Reduce Muscle Tension After Winter Sports
Intense activity can cause muscle tension and discomfort. A massage chair can help alleviate this tension, making muscle recovery less painful.
A chair with a sport massage feature can help massage away tension and gently stretch the muscles to prevent tightness and further tension.
Enjoying a chair massage before and after winter active sports can also help prevent tightness and tension.
Some people also argue that massage chairs strengthen the immune system. If you’re engaging in active winter sports, having a stronger immune system may help you stay healthy and even avoid getting sick.
When Is It Better to Use Massage Chairs:
Before or After Winter Active Sports?
You know that massage chairs can help improve blood flow and alleviate muscle tension. But the question is: when should you use your chair?
Is it better to use a massage chair before or after a winter workout?
Pre- and post-workout massages both have benefits.
- A massage before active winter sports can help loosen muscle tension and knots to improve flexibility. Having less stiffness and tension may help prevent injury, but it’s important to keep your massage light and brief. Save that deep tissue massage for later. And if you have any anxiety or stress about the activity, a quick massage can help you relax.
- A massage after active winter sports can help aid in recovery and reduce soreness. It’s best to get your massage within 2 hours of the activity to maximize the benefits. Research has shown that post-workout massages can help with muscle fatigue, reduce stiffness and more. One study found that massage was the most effective post-workout activity compared to stretching, active recovery, hyperbaric treatment and more.
As you can see, there are benefits to both pre- and post-activity massages. But most experts agree that you should save your massage for after the activity. You’ll maximize the recovery benefits and help your body relax after intense exercise.
The great news is that if you have a massage chair at home, you can experiment with pre- and post-workout massages in your own relaxation zone to see which one you like best.
Top Models of Massage Chairs That Will Be Useful for
Fans of Winter Sports
Now that you understand the benefits of massage chairs for fans of winter sports, you may be wondering which chairs are best.
Choosing the right massage chair doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. We’re going to share our top picks for the best massage chair for winter sports fanatics.
Super Novo
The Super Novo is an advanced massage chair with features that can help with pain management, tension and workout recovery.
Features
- 3D and 4D massage technology
- 38 built-in wellness programs
- Magnetic dock to keep your devices within reach
- Cloud touch acupressure
- Dual lumber heat
- Unibody track that covers 60% more of the back than competitors
- Zero gravity position
- Built-in Altec Lansing sound system
- Extended knee, calf and foot massager
- Full-body stretch
The 3D and 4D massage functions vary the speed of each stroke to mimic the feel of a real massage.
With so many built-in massage programs, including recovery, you’re sure to find the perfect massage for your needs. Plus, the full-body stretch can help prevent soreness and stiffness after engaging in winter sports.
Click here to learn more about the Super Novo massage chair
Certus
The Certus delivers a 3D massage that extends the entire length of your spine and thighs to cover all areas that may be stiff or sore after winter sports.
Features
- 11 auto wellness programs
- S- and L-track massage
- Foot and calf massage options
- Zero gravity seating
- Built-in sound system
- Lumbar and foot heating
With 11 built-in programs, heated features and full-body massage options, this is a chair that can help speed up recovery after engaging in active sports.
Click here to learn more about the Certus massage chair
WholeBody® 8.0 Massage Chair
The WholeBody 8.0 massage chair delivers a moderate massage and comes loaded with features that will help melt away tension and stiffness.
Features
- FlexGlide massage
- 7 auto wellness programs
- Warm air technology
- Swiveling base
- Headrest pad
- Foot and calf massager
The WholeBody 8.0 chair is a great option if you want a simple model with fewer massage chair features. You still enjoy a full body massage and the benefits of built-in wellness programs but without all of the bells and whistles of more expensive chairs. The back and foot massage functions will help with muscle recovery and soreness after winter sports.
Click here to learn more about the WholeBody 8.0 massage chair
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of winter sports, a massage chair can help you recover faster and relax after an intense day of activity. The right chair can help melt away stress and tension while helping improve blood flow. It’s the perfect way to indulge in some much-needed self-care after rigorous exercise.
The first goal when we all wake up is to have the best day possible. Sometimes this gets messed up before we even get started. We sleep through alarm clocks and are late so we are rushing the whole day. We just don’t feel right and our body is off or we sleep in the wrong position and now we aches and pains that we have to workout to try to feel better. Possibly you just didn’t have a good night sleep or enough sleep because you went to bed later than you expected.
There is a long list of reasons why many of our days don’t start off ideal which more often than not slips into us not being able to have the most productive day. I guess in a perfect world we would all wake up like the prince in the movies Coming to America. Beautiful spacious bed, perfect temperature setting in the room, just the right amount of sunlight. Laying in the perfect position with the best pillow and gently waking up to a symphony. Well this isn’t the reality for 99.9% of us in the world and definitely not the people reading this blog.
But how do you make everyday the best day possible? You do some research, play around with a few ideas and construct a regimen that works for you. As an athlete we always talk about warming up and being a our peak so we can perform. That is the same for everyone else living life as well. If you start your day in ways that put you in the best possible light you will have less stress, a clearer mind and a more joyful heart. With those three components your will be a better employee, parent, partner and person all around.
The first thing I do when I wake up every day is go and sit in my Human Touch Super Novo masage chair for twenty minutes. If you look they tell you that everyday first thing you should meditate. No better place to do than your chair! I don’t your the same setting every morning but I do a 20 min session and I always use the heat option.
During this time I mentally go over the thoughts and key points of what i would like to do that day. I try to visualize and anticipate things that may happen that day and ways to proactively deal with adversity. I also envision the success that i would like to see on that day. Many times while I’m in the chair i do drills and allow my mind to take over my body and talk to my muscles and tell them what needs to trigger without actually doing the motions fully. This gets my body ready to move, my muscles get the gentle wake up that then need so I can be at my best.
I totally understand that everyday it’s going to be perfect but if you take the to find a regimen that works for you and stick to it you will have more good days than bad. Thank you for checking into the recovery corner and I hope this was helpful to you in your wellness journey.
Maurice Allen
World Long Drive Champion
WLD Tour Champion
Long Drivers European Tour Champ
American Cancer Society Ambassador
Boys & Girls Club of America Ambassador
Former Guinness World Record Holder
When people buy massage chairs, they typically do so because they want to massage away tension and pain in their backs, shoulders and even lower body. However, there’s another function that advanced and modern massage chairs offer that often gets overlooked: stretching. A back stretching chair can help further improve pain and tension while making the massage experience more relaxing.
But what exactly is a back stretching massage chair? What are the benefits of stretching your back?
How Back Stretching Works in Massage Chairs
Most people are familiar with how the massage function works on a massage chair, but what about stretching? How exactly does that work?
Of course, the answer will depend on the massage chair itself. Stretching can be achieved in a few different ways.
If you’re using a built-in Stretch program, the chair may:
- Inflate its air cells, which wrap around your arms and legs.
- Move into a reclined position.
- Have its massage rollers move in an upward direction to gently stretch back muscles.
The stretching is typically gradual and gentle, making it ideal for those with sensitive back muscles or individuals who have never really had a stretching regimen.
Some chairs offer more rigorous and intense stretching options, but you can often adjust the intensity to your liking using the remote control or built-in navigation buttons.
Benefits of Back Stretching
Stretching, in general, provides many benefits for the entire body, but it can be especially beneficial for the back.
Why? Because stretching the muscles that support the spine can help alleviate pain and may even improve your range of motion.
In fact, experts say that stretching and strengthening back muscles is the key to not only alleviating but preventing back pain.
Stretching your back can help:
- Improve flexibility and your range of motion
- Reduce the risk of debilitating back pain
- Reduce or even eliminate tension in spine-supporting muscles
- Improve your posture
- Prevent injuries
- Decrease muscle soreness
Stretching clearly has many benefits for your back, but how can you take advantage of these benefits with your massage chair? It’s important to find the right massage chair that stretches back muscles and helps relax the muscles that support your spine.
Best Massage Chairs for Back Stretching
Certus Massage Chair
The Certus delivers a vigorous massage and has a built-in Stretch wellness program to help stretch out tired and stiff back muscles. In addition, lumbar heating further helps melt away tension as you immerse yourself in a relaxing massage.
When you activate the chair’s Stretch program, its air cells provide a gentle massage while the robotic massage works on your back and glutes to soothe tension and elongate muscles. The dynamic stretch function pairs well with other built-in massage programs to deliver pain and tension relief.
Features
- 11 Auto programs, including a stretch program
- S- and L-track massage
- Lumbar and foot heating
- Calf and foot massager
- Zero gravity seating
- Built-in Altec Lansing sound system
- AcuPoint detection
- CloudTouch Acupressure
- Space-saving design
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built-in Stretch program makes it easy to stretch muscles
- Zero gravity seating takes pressure off the spine
- Advanced massage system
- Heated elements help reduce stress and tension
- Only requires 0.2” of rear clearance
Cons
- May be too feature-rich for users who want a simple stretch
Price
- $7,999.00
Color Options
- Earth (brown)
- Sun (yellow)
- Sky (blue)
- Moon (white)
- Slate (gray)
Warranty
- 5-year limited
Super Novo
The Super Novo is our most advanced massage chair, packed with features and designed to help stretch tight and stiff back muscles. The full-body stretch function, 3D and 4D massage programs, CloudTouch Acupressure and zero gravity position all help relax back muscles to alleviate pain and discomfort.
The chair’s Yoga Studio program features a Stretch program with a bend and stretch function to extend your spine and legs. The stretching movement helps alleviate tension and relaxes back muscles to help reduce pain.
Features
- Full-body stretch functionality
- 3D and 4D massage programs
- 38 built-in wellness programs
- CloudTouch Acupressure
- Unibody track that covers 60% more of the back
- Zero gravity position
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Total body stretching helps stretch out the back
- Dual lumbar heating further helps loosen tight back muscles
- Zero gravity position takes pressure off of the spine
- Multiple massage programs and options for complete relaxation
- Requires just 2” of clearance
Cons
- Virtual therapist feature can have connectivity issues
Price
- $9,999.00
Color Options
- Black
- Espresso
- Cream
- Gray
- Saddle
Warranty
- 5-year limited warranty
Get the Super Novo massage chair.
Quies Massage Chair
The Quies massage chair features a built-in stretch program, zero gravity seating, lumbar heating and other great features to help loosen and relax back muscles.
The Quies chair features built-in Comfort AirCells that apply pressure to key points on the body. These AirCells also help gently stretch muscles to ease tension in your back and other areas of the body.
An easy-to-use, intuitive control panel makes it simple to activate all of the chair’s features that help stretch your muscles. The Stretch program can be accessed with just a few touches of a button and will target your entire body.
Features
- 9 Built-in massage programs, including Stretch
- S- and L-track massage
- Zero gravity seating
- Dual lumbar heating
- Bluetooth speakers with sound soothe function
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built-in stretch massage program is convenient
- Lumbar heating helps reduce stress and tension in the back
- Zero gravity position gives your spine a rest
- Advanced massage programs immerse you in a state of relaxation
Cons
- Requires more wall clearance than other chairs
Price
- $4,999.00
Color Options
- Cream
- Gray
Warranty
- 5-year limited warranty
Final Thoughts
The right massage chair can do so much more than just massage your muscles – it can also stretch out your body and your back. From improving flexibility and range of motion to reducing pain, there are many reasons to start stretching your back in your massage chair today. These chairs off excellent stretching programs that will gently stretch your back and the rest of your body to keep back pain at bay.
Balance is a term commonly used in today’s world and it’s consistently connected to energy. These terms have become catch phrases without a consensus understanding of the words true meaning.
In reference to the human body, human output, and recovery, the term balance is truly nonexistent. In the medical views we work in “range” instead of balance, this is due heavily to the fact that life is a progression. Balance is a term that only exists in a stagnant form, a stage or state of no movement and no outside influences. Everyday your environment is forever changing just as you are forever changing. By the time you finish reading this article you will have gotten older, your environmental influences can be different and your internal influences may have changed as well.
In trying to learn how to recover it is extremely important that you understand that it is a cycle. The things that you do will be extremely effective until your body builds a tolerance to that particular thing, which is when it’s important to introduce something new. Ironically, after introducing 3 to 4 new things you will be able to go back to your original recovery regimen and repeat that same cycle as long as there are no new injuries. We must remember that our body is our experience, and what works for us an individuals doesn’t have to fit into a current philosophy practiced. The most important part is that it works for you and allows you to be at your best at a most consistent base.
No one will ever not have bad days that a part of the journey and “balance” give the thought that when those bad days happen it’s because you of out of sorts. Days when you aren’t feeling 100 percent can come from a long line of things but most of them aren’t bad especially when you are training towards a goal of getting better. Growth in any arena is extremely difficult and stressful but it’s because you are pushing your mind and body to new levels. This is simply the act of you changing your threshold or range, while doing this it’s important to consume enough of the proper food, the correct amount of water as well as get the proper a mouth of rest (not sleep but rest, including recovery using products such as the Super Novo massage chair).
Over the next 90 days I will document my journey and I prepare for the opportunity to win 4 Long Drive World Championships in three different divisions. During the next 90 days I will push myself at the highest levels of all ranges to see if I can achieve this goal. It will be extremely tough but necessary to get every ounce of production out of my body. I hope you enjoy following me on this journey.
Hello, my name is Maurice Allen and I am a professional long drive competitor as well as a professional golfer. I have teamed up with Human Touch over the next 12 months to document my recovery methods in hopes that it will give you some ideas that you can use to help you gain a greater quality of life.
How to Use Massage Chairs for Recovery in the Right Way
In this first month I started with baseline, it’s important to know where you are to start and also to help you see improvements of any kind which will give you the motivation to continue the process. The assessment and documentation is a lot of work to be honest with you but I feel that it is a necessity and one of the first steps to truly get better. In my baseline assessment I would take 5-7 minutes every morning when I first wake up and again right before I got to bed to see how my body is responding to movement.
The key parts I check are the following:
- Feet
- Knees
- Hips
- Lower back
- Shoulders
- Neck
These are the major places that are the site of discomfort for most individuals.
The assessment is a simple series of movements that help me look at range of motion and strength. You are looking to see what feels tight, is there any sharp pain, is muscle atrophy present, inability to move, and is the movement smooth and fluid. The purpose in doing it twice a day is to see how well my body recovers as I sleep.
From my assessment I’ve learned that I need to work on:
- Ankle mobility
- Knee stability with strengthening the supporting muscles
- Loosen up my hips
- Shoulder range of motion
- Strengthening the muscles in my neck
Do I Need a Massage for Muscle Recovery?
I know that many of you reading this will say “I’m not a professional athlete so how does this relate to me?”
Recovery and wellness is something important for everyone because you can’t perform at top level without it. If you are consistently in pain or discomfort you can’t be the best parent you want to be, the best spouse you want to be or be the best worker you want be. This is a long ongoing process but it hopefully gives you all some great information that you will be able to use as well.
Each month I will tackle one issue at a time in detail using a series of methods, I will also use my Super Novo massage chair as one of my daily maintenance tools to help me recover better and enjoy life more. We'll also explore how massage helps with muscle recovery and overall recovery in general.
Thank you for following my journey, and starting your own as well!
Exercise plays an important role in overall health and wellness, and your recovery can be just as important as the workout itself. Not only can recovery prevent muscle soreness, but it can also help support healthy muscle growth.
Human Touch® is thrilled to be a part of a major locker room renovation that the University of Alabama developed for their top-ranking NCAA Football team...