Research shows that musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading complaints for office workers, leading to complaints such as lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. While regular movement, stretching, and strength training are essential for preventing these symptoms, another often-overlooked remedy is a high-quality massage.
Mental and Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy
Regular massages can significantly improve hormone regulation. They reduce stress by lowering levels of adrenaline and cortisol while increasing serotonin. Elevated serotonin levels boost melatonin production, enhancing sleep quality and speeding up physical recovery, leading to better stress resilience.
Types of Massage Therapies for Busy Professionals
Depending on your specific needs, you can choose from various types of massages.
Robert Andrew Signature Massage
The Robert Andrew Signature Massage is a full-body treatment featuring custom-blended aromatherapy and hot stones. This combination helps melt away tension and soothes aching muscles, making it ideal for overall relaxation.
Swedish/Relaxation Massage
The Swedish/Relaxation Massage uses long strokes and kneading to target the outer layers of muscles, reducing stress and easing sore joints. This 50-minute session promotes nervous system relaxation, improves circulation, and aids in detoxification.
Deep Tissue/Therapeutic Massage
Popular in Gambrills, the Deep Tissue/Therapeutic Massage employs short strokes and strong pressure to target deep muscle layers and relieve tension in overstressed areas. It’s particularly beneficial for those with chronic pain.
Extended Body Experience
The Extended Body Experience combines deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, and aromatherapy, making it ideal for combatting work-related stress.
Arnica Muscle Therapy
Arnica Muscle Therapy is perfect for those with physically demanding jobs or active lifestyles. Infused with arnica, a plant known for its muscle-relieving properties, this therapy targets overworked muscles, connective tissue, and joints. The full-body massage focuses on areas like the hips, elbows, neck, feet, and shoulders to help you feel re-energized and free of tension.
Building a Massage Routine for Optimal Stress Relief
For most people, a monthly massage is sufficient. However, if you have a high-stress jobs, are experiencing periods of higher intensity on the job, or have more physically intensive jobs, a massage every two weeks is recommended.
Exercise Tips After a Massage
Generally, it is best to avoid exercise immediately after a massage. But, if you opt for a lighter form of massage like a Swedish or hot stone massage, then you may only need to wait an hour or so before participating in any physical activities. After more intensive massages like a deep tissue massage, we recommend waiting 24 hours before engaging in rigorous exercise to give your muscles time to recover. When you return to exercise, we suggest easing back in with stretching and light forms of activity such as walking or yoga. For more personalized suggestions, it is best to consult with your massage therapist.
Staying Hydrate During Your Massage
Stay well hydrated both before and after your massage. Proper hydration makes your muscles more pliable and helps flush out fluids released by the muscles into the bloodstream to be eliminated. Because this process can lead to dehydration, it is particularly important to hydrate after a massage, too.
Final Thoughts
Make the Robert Andrew massage a key part your holistic health journey. Whether you live in Annapolis, D.C., or right next door in Crofton, we’ve got an option for you. For greater relief, don’t forget to check out our many spa services as well, You can schedule your next appointment with us via phone, e-mail, or by booking online. We look forward to helping you achieve wellness!