4 Benefits of Massage Therapy During the Winter

Massage Therapy is beneficial to your health and well-being year-round, but can be especially useful during the tough winter months. If you live in New England like me, our weather changes on a dime and our bodies are constantly trying to adapt to varying degrees of craziness. Here are some benefits that you can enjoy through routine use of massage therapy in the winter months.

Relief for Sore and Stiff Muscles

We tend to be less active during the winter as we can’t do much outdoors. The desire to spend time indoors, wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of tea can lead us to not move and stretch as much as we should. As a result, muscles can get sore and stiff from inactivity. Even if you do manage to stay active, colder temperatures can make keeping our muscles warm a challenge and can lead to tightness. Regular massage can loosen tight muscles and relieve soreness.

Alleviating Pain from Shoveling

Lifting and shoveling heavy snow can wreak havoc on the body. Many people will develop sore shoulders and forearms from shoveling. Shoveling snow can also exacerbate lower back pain, and can even put people out of commission for a few days. I've actually been there and done that myself. If you find yourself out of sorts following an intense battle with the snow on your driveway, a massage can relieve pain and help you prepare for the next blizzard.

Immune Booster

The winter is the peak season for colds and flu, and people are generally more susceptible to illness during the winter as we spend more time indoors, in close quarters with other people so germs are more easily spread. Additionally, stress at high levels can lower the body’s ability to fight off germs and illness. Combine high levels of stress with cold and flu season, and you have the potential for developing a nasty cold (or even worse). Massage works to reduce stress which in turn can help your body’s immune system work at its peak potential.

A Warm Oasis

Maybe you just want to get out of the cold for a little bit. A massage is a perfect time to relax while being enveloped in warmth. Many massage therapists (like me!) provide table warmers so you are perfectly cozy while getting your massage. Some therapists also offer hot stone massages which work to add deep warmth to cold and tight muscles.

If you’ve had enough of the cold weather, book a massage so you can escape into a cozy world surrounded by warmth and relaxation – even if it is only just for an hour.