Studies have show that one in five people are impacted by seasonal change. As the daylight hours have grown shorter and the temperatures continue to drop, people often start to feel lethargic and depressed. Research shows that massage helps to improve mood and elevate energy levels and reset circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and more energy.
It isn’t just mood affected by the winter months, it is your muscles and joints as well. When the barometric air pressure drops and the cold temperatures set in, it can have an impact on our joints and muscles — they tend to constrict and tighten. In addition, the factors of the winter months can lead to expansion of soft tissue around the joints. This can lead to pressure on the joints which causes pain. Some people may also experience muscle cramps and spasms. And, consider this; we bundle up – arms crossed, heads down to avoid the blowing wind or snow, keeping our bodies close and tight for warmth. Your own body mechanics in these colder months can cause muscle tension.
Massage therapy, stretching and helping to improve range of motion can reduce winter joint pain by relaxing the muscles, improving circulation, and lubricating the joints. It helps ensure that the muscle and soft tissue areas receive sufficient blood and oxygen. Improving lubrication of the joints makes movement less painful.