Why is quality sleep so important?  During the deeper phases of sleep, our body carries out vital functions necessary for good health.  We produce enzymes which allows us to absorb much needed nutrients from the food we have consumed throughout the day.  Our tissues, nerve cells and other biochemicals regenerate and our brain uses this time to recover energy used in our daily conscious state.  Our immune system is also engaged to help combat illness.  That is why we are encouraged to sleep as much as we can when we are sick.  During deep sleep, we process emotions and stresses of the day and our brain develops our days experiences into memory.

Severe consequences can arise from lack of good quality sleep.  Poor immunity, higher stress levels, irritability, weight gain and more seriously, falling asleep while driving or operating equipment, which can lead to loss of life.

Tips for Better Sleep

1.  Get out in the sun – this will help improve your body’s natural sleep cycle.  Be sure to apply adequate sunscreen.

2.  Cut down or eliminate caffeine.

3.  Grab a cat nap during the day, if you feel sleepy.

4.  Set a regular wake/sleep schedule and stick to it

5.  Darken your bedroom or wear an eye mask at night.

6.  If your mind just can’t stop working, schedule regular massage therapy sessions to help calm both your mind and body.

Massage therapy is a powerful tool for improving the quality of your sleep.  It improves circulation to help nourish the muscles, relieving muscle tension, so they can properly relax.  It works on the nervous system to calm the mind down and relieve anxiety.  We all need good quality sleep to properly function in our day to day lives.  There is nothing better than waking in the morning feeling rested, relaxed and renewed!

Call us at Absolutely Spahhhvelous to schedule your next session and sleep like a baby tonight!  940-343-5667

Gentle stretches can also help to maintain and, sometimes increase, the range of motion of a joint affected by arthritis.  When a joint is affected by arthritis, it becomes worn down and loses its proper function.  The surrounding muscles then reflexively engage to help support what the body is interpreting as an injury.  Massage is a very effective way to help those muscles relax, receive new circulation and allow proper range of motion of the joint.

The two different types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis, where the lining and cartilage, or cushioning, has worn down inside the joint.  Over time, this will cause pain and inflammation, and a loss of range of motion of the joint, as our bodies ‘guard’ against moving that area due to pain.  This decrease in use and movement can lead to the muscles around the joint shortening and tensing up, resulting in muscle pain. Massage therapy itself won’t repair the wear and tear, but it will help to bring new circulation and nutrition to the affected joint.  This allows the body to heal itself and possibly slow the progression of deterioration .

Rheumatoid arthritis, is a condition where deterioration of the joint lining occurs and destroys the bone and joint capsule. This usually leads to deformities of the affected joints.  As the joint deteriorates, the muscles surrounding the affected area become imbalanced, atrophied, shortened and tense, resulting in pain. Massage will not help with joint deformity, but can help relieve the pain associated with RA by helping increase circulation and encouraging balance in the muscles.

A couple of precautions should be taken when seeking massage for your arthritis pain.  Don’t get massage therapy during a flare-up. Doing so may only increase your discomfort.  Be sure to let your Therapist know about your condition and insist they use only their gentlest pressure. You should feel comfortable enough to be able to stop the session if need be. Remember, YOU are the best judge of what is going on inside your body.

Many arthritis sufferers find that regular massage therapy greatly improves their condition by reducing their pain and helping them move easier.  Massage is a great alternative to dangerous drugs and many of my clients find their relief lasts longer and their flexibility is improved when they commit to regular massage sessions.

If you suffer from the pain of arthritis and want to discover the relief regular massage therapy can give you.  Call us at Absolutely Spahhhvelous at 940-343-5667 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment online at www.sangermassagetherapy.com.