Author Archives: svmassage

May 20, 2020 at 5:29 pm | Stretches to Help Keep You Relaxed and Limber During Quarantine

This is a stressful time for everyone. It is crucial to keep your body and mind relaxed, although previous go-to spots such as spas, pools, and bars are closed indefinitely. Getting a professional-grade deep tissue massage is also far more challenging with quarantine protocols in effect.  However, taking regular walks or runs are common ways that many people have been breaking up their time in quarantine, and proper stretching or muscle exercises can help prevent stiffness and back pain. Here are a few quick and easy stretches that beginners can do:

Standing Side Stretch 

This classic stretch is easy to do and perfect for preventing the back stiffness that comes with sitting up at a desk all day. To perform a standing side stretch: 

  • Start in a standing position with your feet together 
  • Raise both your arms up while bringing your hands together 
  • Lean to the left, then re-straighten your back while keeping your hands together and your arms as high as you can
  • Repeat step three, but lean to the right 

Hold this stretch for as long as you can. It shouldn’t take long and can relax your back for the rest of the day! 

Cat Pose 

This is a simple, fun stretch that you can do while sitting in bed in the morning. If you’re going to be sitting at a desk all day, it can be very healthy to relax your arms and shoulders in the morning. Here’s how to do a cat pose: 

  • Start by sitting on your knees on a bed or a yoga mat 
  • Lean forward while extending your arms in front of you 
  • Elevate your posterior and lower your head while keeping your arms stretched forward 

Forward Hang 

The forward hang is another great stretch for relieving tension in your back after too much sitting. You can do it in just a few minutes away from your desk — just follow these steps: 

  • Stand straight with your feet shoulder-length apart and your knees slightly bent
  • Slowly bend forward with your hands clasped together behind your back 
  • Bend until you see your knees in front of your face 

This is a great stretch that works on muscles in both your arms and legs. 

Quarantine is not easy for anyone, but keeping your mind and body relaxed can improve your mental and physical health, as well as make it easier to follow indefinite social distancing protocols. For more information on muscle relaxation, as well as the benefits of massage therapy in Cherry Hill, reach out to the experts at SV Massage today!

March 23, 2020 at 4:19 pm | How Often Should I Get a Massage?

This is a great question that we hear fairly often, and honestly, the answer is — it depends! How frequently you should get a massage heavily relies on a variety of factors, including your pain, stress levels, and of course, your budget. As the leading provider of deep tissue massages near Cherry Hill, NJ, SV Massage understands that receiving massages regularly will have the most benefit, although that frequency just may not be realistic for every person. Continue reading →

swedish massage cherry hill nj

February 19, 2020 at 4:41 pm | Getting Ready for a Massage? Avoid These 6 Mistakes

When it comes to seeing one of our onsite massage therapists near Marlton, NJ, you can rest assured you won’t have a tremendous amount of responsibility — all you’ll have to do is lay back and relax! While a massage appointment can undoubtedly be relieving, there are a few activities you’ll want to avoid doing beforehand to ensure your trip is as effective and comfortable as possible. Take a look at the infographic below to see what they are, and then continue reading below as we delve further into each one

Drink

Water’s just fine, but steer clear of alcohol. When you get a massage, you may feel dehydrated by the end — and if you waltz into the facility hungover, you’re putting yourself at a severe disadvantage! Also, a body full of booze from the night before will only amplify the soreness from a deep-tissue massage.

Sunbathe

In the event you get a sunburn, your skin becomes inflamed and highly irritated. Since massages target areas typically afflicted from sunburn (like your back), the entire experience can be extremely unpleasant. If you get a sunburn from spending the previous day outside, consider rescheduling your massage.

Feel Under The Weather

We know, we know. You can’t control when you get sick. Even though feeling ill is involuntary — if your immune system fails you or you have an infection, a massage could spread the infection to other parts of the body. Not to mention, sickness can get other people you interact with sick as well.

Eat a Large Meal

While this one may be a little self-explanatory, it’s still important to note. A massage therapist will put pressure on your back (and as a result, your stomach) continuously, which will only exacerbate discomfort and bloating. The same goes for drinking fluids. Stay hydrated, but don’t overdo it before you come in for an appointment.

Apply Lotion or Topical Medication

During the massage, a massage therapist will cover you in lotions and oils that may not mix well with the skin moisturizers you keep at home. Be mindful of any topical medication you apply before you come in, as it can be spread all over your body. Also, performance tapes or patches may cause your therapist to avoid the areas that need focus.

Don’t Take Prescription Pain Medication

If you’re in enough pain to necessitate medication, it’s best to talk to a certified professional before a massage. Muscle relaxers, mood stabilizers, and other pain medications could interfere with your pain perception or your ability to communicate with your massage therapist. Medication that thins blood should be avoided due to the pressure and increase of blood circulation during a massage.

For more information about getting a Swedish massage near Cherry Hill, NJ, contact SV Massage today!