Aches & Pains | BAC massage therapy

Aches & Pains

​You are doing all the right things … eating to nourish your body, getting enough rest, moving your body every day, taking care of you. You even have your next massage (or 2 or 3) booked.

So what do you do when aches & pains pop up in between treatments?

Well first of all you can always call and try to get in earlier for you next massage treatment, nothing is ever set-in stone even if the appointment has been booked for months.

If this is not an option, here are some things to try once you determine what type of pain you are dealing with.

First … if the pain is related to an acute injury (sprains, strains, fall, contusion) pull the ice pack out of the freezer and RICE (rest ice compression elevate), particularly in the first couple of days after injury … this will help to minimize swelling, bruising, and inflammation.

If you don’t have an injury ice pack that lives in your freezer like I do, try a bag of frozen peas ... they work amazing because they easily contour around the injured area, just make sure you don’t accidentally cook them for dinner later lol.

Second … if the pain is related to muscle tension, then here are some options for you to try …

• Epsom salt bath​ … the magnesium content of Epsom salts helps muscles to relax
• Topical magnesium ... absorbs right where it is put to help relax your muscles
• Heat … helps sore, tight muscles relax and increases blood flow to the area
• Stretch … particularly tight postural and leg muscles
• Lacrosse ball … place the ball between the tight area and a wall then lean back and relax … the pressure on the muscle when held for 30+ sec can trigger the muscle to relax
• Foam roller … is self myofascial release that can help relieve muscle tightness and soreness ... really works well on legs and glutes and small rollers work wonders on feet
• Rolling pin … nessecity is the mother of all invention and in a pinch can be used in place of a foam roller but allows you to control the pressure you use

These all become your tools to manage aches and pains at home between regular massage treatments.

As you try each of these tools, you will probably find a couple that work well for you and some that don’t. Make sure to keep the ones that work handy so that they are available right when you need help.

Keep in mind that what works for the “knot” in your back may not work for your tight hamstrings … and what works for me might not work for you.

But more often than not when we are in pain, anything that helps is better than nothing.

Do you have a favourite way to manage aches and pains between regular massage treatments?


Share your favourites in the comments below.