Wow! Had quite a few clients this weekend reporting their Black Friday ordeals. Massage therapy has a marvelous ability to release all that muscle tension, but I wish I had thought of the physical impact of such an event before, because there are many things you can do to minimize the impact of all that standing and carrying. Frequent ‘time-out’ shopping breaks, stretching (both before, during, and after the ordeal), and staying hydrated are just a few.
As you endure sustained periods of carrying, pushing, and standing, the muscles of the legs, back, shoulders and arms are subject to long periods of tension and they lose blood circulation and oxygen which leads to cramping, numbness, and possible injury. The conditions I’m seeing in some of my clients indicate they endured long periods of carrying and standing without sufficient rest or hydration. Two of my massage clients sustained back spasms more than 24 hours after their shopping ordeals because they were either carrying awkward loads or standing for excessive periods of time. Others had shoulder stiffness and neck pain. One experienced a major calf cramp the following morning (owie!).
Massage therapy deals with each condition similarly. The releasing of the calf cramp involved gentle massage in the affected area to release the tightness and then utilizing a deeper cross-fiber massage therapy once the initial tightness is relieved. Back spasms are similar in that they are basically cramps in a different area. The affected muscle in each case has to be ‘released’ and then massaged to re-establish proper circulation and flexibility. Stiffness in the shoulders and arms occasionally requires some gentle stretching manipulations before performing deeper massage therapy work.
So remember, when you’re facing long periods of physical stress, be sure to hydrate and stretch frequently. Avoid long periods of standing, if possible, and be sure to do a mini stretch-workout (gently!) when you’re finished. If you have a condition you’re suffering from as a result of the holiday madness, give us a call at 1-714-771-1827 and We’ll be happy to help you with a massage. In the meantime, keep those stretches up!