MUSCULAR PAIN RELIEF

LIVING WELL IS EASY

Alison M. Sheehey, A.A, C. M. T.

This advice is not intended to take the place of your physician.

If you have unusual symptoms or symptoms that do not disappear within a short time, please see your doctor.

Following these simple steps can lead to a more enjoyable and comfortable life.

First, WATER.

Make sure you are adequately hydrated. Drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day will allow the body to flush out metabolic waste that builds up in muscle tissue. Increase this water intake if the weather is warm or you are sweating more than normal.

Second, REST.

A well rested body does wonders for relaxing and healing stressed muscles.

Third, MOVE.

The more moderate activity you engage in, the more blood will circulate around and through muscle tissue. The better the circulation, the better you feel.

Fourth, PRESSURE.

Find the knotted areas and gently press on them with your finger tips or a tennis ball (not a golf ball, it can bruise). This pressure should hurt good. It must never cause too much pain. A muscle in pain contracts, and the purpose of pressure is to stop the spasm and relax the muscle.

Finally, STRETCH.

Stretching lengthens the muscle and allows it to stay relaxed. Proper stretching is done by first determining which muscle hurts. Flexing that muscle will allow you to see in which direction its fibers lay. Moving the associated joint in the opposite direction will stretch the muscle. Maintain the stretch for 10-60 seconds should give it enough time to relax. If you are stretching properly you should feel a gentle pull on the problem area. Stretching is not exercise! It is important to know that:

IF THERE IS PAIN, THERE IS NO GAIN. Stretching should make you feel better; not tired or worse. A stretched muscle relaxes easier and is more elastic.

These simple steps can help you relieve normal aches and pains, and help you to begin enjoying life again.