Massage hits the spot
Massage hits the spot
Posted: 11 Oct 2009
Hands-on treatment for stressed-out professionals
Jude Parmley tells how massage can ease pain and banish the blues of modern life
Being a journalist is bad for your health.
Two of the four most common causes of muscle tension are spending hours hunched over a computer and being stuck behind the wheel of a car – both occupational hazards for those of us who earn our living as writers.
I’ve suffered stiff shoulders and neck for years, but a spell of flat-out work took the problem to a new level.
I was in almost constant discomfort and could barely move my head from side to side – not ideal on the road.
Rather than go to the doctor or take pain-killers I went to Reef, a salon in Belmont, Durham for a Decleor massage.
The therapist confirmed that my shoulders were badly knotted, but I asked her not to hold back, so the massage was quite tough but the ultimate feeling was of being soothed. I felt better the next day and could move my head easily for the first time in weeks.
Two more visits helped maintain the improvement – so no need for medical treatment.
One of Reef’s therapists said: ‘Massage can do the world of good. It can relieve stress, help manage pain or just be a luxurious treat.
‘If you spend most of the day sitting at a desk or driving you can develop muscle tension which massage can ease. Bad posture and heavy lifting are the other two main causes of shoulder stiffness.’
For an appointment at Reef ring 0191 386 3055. Find your local Decleor salon at www.decleor.co.uk/locations.
Therapists say that massage can:
· relax and soften injured and tired muscles
· reduce spasms and cramps
· increase joint flexibility
· improve skin condition
· lessen depression and anxiety
· alleviate lower back pain and improve range of motion
· help with sleep disorders
· enhance immunity by stimulating the body’s natural defence system
· ease dependence on medication
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