Between Massage Sessions: 3 Things That Matter

Most of my massage therapy clients visit me consistently 1-4 times per month and take great care of their bodies by eating well, exercising and practicing other health habits. My clients understand that what happens between sessions makes a huge difference in how the body feels and functions overall.

3 things I wish more of my clients would focus on, weekly, between massage sessions:

Breathe, Move and Recover...

1. Breathe

Something most people don't think about is how they are breathing throughout the day and even during sleep.

A lot of people live in shallow, chest breathing without realizing it. When this happens, shoulders stay tight, the nervous system stays on and the body never fully relaxes.

Even when you think you're relaxed, your body may still hold tension.

I notice this more times than not. My clients have tight shoulders, restricted movement and a body that won't fully let go.

A simple daily breathing ritual:

Choose a time each day or do this when you are in line at the grocery store or driving in your car. Take a few minutes each day to slow your breathing down. Let your ribs expand. Let your stomach move. It sounds basic but it makes a big difference.

2. Move

When I talk about moving the body I don't mean workouts alone. I mean intentional movement.

Our joints need regualr movement, not only during a planned exercise routine or dedicated workout. Sitting, repetitive patterns and even intense

workouts without mobility can all lead to tightness and imbalance. You can't out-train stiffness.

Simple ways to incorporate daily movement rituals:

Add 10-15 minutes of mobility into your day. Choose hip openers, shoulder movements and gentle stretching. Small movements done consistently througout the day go a long way.

3. Recover

And not in a rushed or distracted way.

Most people either skip recovery or rush through it. Stretching becomes something you check off instead of something you actually enjoy and feel.

The body needs time to respond.

A simple way to remember to recover throughout the day:

Plan 10-15 minutes early in the day or at the end of the day. Breathe into your stretches. Stay in your stretch a little longer. Let your body actually relax rather than pushing.

Massage helps to reset the body, but what you do between sessions definitely influences massage sesssion results.

Small, consistent habits tend to make the biggest difference over time.