Why Choose Massotherapy in Summer?

May 13, 2024  |  by Visacova Santé |

With the arrival of warmer weather, many of us want to spend more time outside, enjoying the summer sun. While massage therapy offers benefits all year, it can be especially supportive during the summer months.

Potential Benefits of Summer Massage

• A sense of relief from heavy legs, water retention, or swelling

• Support with neck tension and related headaches

• Help easing muscle cramping

• General back discomfort from seasonal activities

Let’s explore how massage therapy might contribute to your well-being during this season.

Heavy Legs, Edema, and Water Retention

Many people experience a feeling of heaviness or swelling in the legs during hot weather. The heat may contribute to vascular changes like vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can sometimes affect circulation.

Swedish-style massage may help promote fluid movement and support circulatory comfort. Some therapists also use light manual drainage techniques to encourage lymphatic flow.

Hydration is especially important during the summer. Heat, alcohol, and salty foods can contribute to fluid imbalance, so drinking enough water helps support natural regulation. Since retention can have different causes, consult a healthcare provider if it becomes persistent.

Neck Stiffness and Headaches from Heat and A/C

Going from hot outdoor temperatures to strong indoor air conditioning can contribute to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. A cooled muscle may react by contracting to retain warmth, leading to tightness or discomfort.

A maximum of an 8°C difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is often recommended. Wearing a scarf or light layer around the neck can also help prevent direct cold drafts.

When muscles in the upper body stay tense, some individuals may notice tension-related headaches. A massage session focused on the shoulders and neck may promote relaxation and ease physical stress in these areas.

Muscle Cramps and Summer Activity

Summer often brings more physical activity—sports, hikes, gardening, and more. But cramps can arise when stretching or hydration is overlooked, or when there’s a loss of minerals like magnesium or potassium through sweat.

Even those who drink plenty of water may not replace lost electrolytes. This is especially true for athletes or workers in hot environments like kitchens or construction sites.

Massage with gentle pressure, combined with rest and stretching, may help soothe cramping muscles. Some people enjoy using Epsom salt baths or essential oils like lavender. If cramps are frequent or intense, it's best to speak with a healthcare professional before trying supplements.

Lower Back Discomfort

Many summer activities involve prolonged sitting (e.g., road trips) or physical effort (e.g., gardening, home projects). Unfamiliar movements, poor sleep surfaces, or heavy lifting can put added stress on the lower back.

Stretching before and after activity, using lumbar support while driving, and taking regular breaks can help reduce tension. Some clients choose to schedule massage appointments before or after trips to help their body adjust.

Sarcomere Massage, which focuses on specific muscle areas and their mechanical function, can be part of a broader wellness plan to support muscle comfort after activity.

Massage Techniques Commonly Used in Summer

• Swedish Therapeutic Massage – Promotes relaxation and fluid movement

• Deep Tissue Massage – Works on deeper connective tissues for mobility

• Sarcomere Massage – A focused technique that targets muscle precision and coordination

While massage doesn't replace medical care, it can be part of a healthy self-care routine—especially when paired with hydration, good sleep, and physical awareness.

Final Thoughts

Summer brings its own physical demands and challenges. Whether you’re staying active or simply adjusting to heat and routines, massage therapy may help you feel more at ease.

If you’re not sure what kind of session fits your needs, speak with your therapist. At Visacova Santé, we’re here to support your well-being—season after season.

Have a great summer, Visacova Santé

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