Give Your Body An ‘MOT’ With A Deep Tissue Sports Massage

Taking up exercise in the New Year has tremendous health benefits. Be it at the gym, jogging outside or a fitness DVD at home.  If you are regularly training it pays to take care of your muscle and joint health. Whether you’re new to exercise or a seasoned athlete, you will benefit from sports massage treatment.

Sports Massage Therapist, Hayley Meeking from Reigate’s Chart Clinic explains,

“Exercise in all forms of sport, training or even from manual work means that our body’s are working repeatedly and this can place a lot strain on your muscles and joints. This strain may lead to muscular imbalances, increasing the risk of suffering an injury.”

“Like driving a car, using it regularly causes wear and tear.  To preserve its condition you take a car for a service and MOT, so why wouldn’t you give your body the same level of treatment?”

A Sports Massage will help to...

Maintain your flexibility, allowing you to exercise more efficiently

• Reduce your body’s recovery time between exercise sessions
• Help with aches, pains and post-exercise soreness
• Locate and treat areas of tension due to muscular imbalances
• Minimises the chances of suffering an injury
• You will feel good; consider it a well deserved reward for your body’s hard work!

 To find how we can help you or to book an appointment contact Chart Clinic on 01737 248 023 or email info@chartclinic.co.uk

Taking the pain out of Christmas

It is here again, Christmas is almost upon us. The Christmas and New Year period can be a stressful time, with lots of social commitments, shopping, visiting friends, family and the office party,  all changes to your usual daily routine that can compromise your nutrition, exercise and healthy regimes leading to an increased risk of problems like back and neck pain. Below are some tips to try and avoid aches and pain this Christmas.

 

 

• Holiday Indulgences

Overindulging at Christmas can lead to weight gain placing more strain on your joints and muscles.

Try to keep a healthy diet, don't over indulge at every party, eating and drinking in moderation will help keep off those extra pounds. Keeping to your gym routine can be tricky, but gentle exercise such as walking can help prevent joints from stiffening up and keep you feeling energetic.

 

• Shopping Safely

Carrying heavy bags or awkward presents can put pressure on your spine and strain your shoulder muscles, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Take things easy, distribute weight evenly by using a suitable sized back pack or shopping trolley and take regular breaks mid shopping-spree.

 

• Preparation is key

Wrap up warm in the cold, if you are sitting for long periods outside take a thick blanket or cushion to prevent a numb or painful behind. Prevent excessive postural strain by wearing your most comfortable shoes to walk in.

Whilst hanging Christmas decorations take care if you are climbing on stools or ladders. Get some help, use a safe ladder and avoid over stretching to hang that high up decoration.

Drink plenty of water, hangovers and the resultant dehydration do not help with muscular and joint pain and can make some spinal conditions worse. 

 

• Back care at Christmas

When lifting that oversized Christmas turkey out of the oven, bend your knees and keep your back straight, if you are in pain get somebody else to do the heavy lifting.

Don’t spend too long trying to beat the kids on their new sports computer game, but do remember to get some regular exercise be it walking, stretching or cycling. Stay warm use hot water bottles to soothe aching and tired muscles, a hot bath with some relaxing lavender oil or Epsom Salts can help relax and aid muscular aches.

If you are suffering with any muscular or joint aches and pain, consult a professional for some guidance and treatment. Chart Clinic offers free advice and consultations, for more information visit www.chartclinic.co.uk or call 01737 248 023.