Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily processes, including regulating the nervous system and stress response. If you’re looking for natural ways to manage stress, you might have heard about using magnesium for stress relief. But how does it work and how effective is it? Let’s take a look how magnesium supports relaxation and why it goes so well with massage therapy for a holistic health.
When you’re under stress your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Together they prepare you to for challenging situations which in the short term can be helpful. But chronic stress can leave these hormones elevated leading to fatigue, anxiety and tension(1). Magnesium helps by calming the nervous system and balancing these hormones.
This mineral is also essential for the production of GABA, also known as gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces feelings of anxiety. By supporting this process, magnesium plays a direct role in easing the physical and mental toll of stress.
In addition, magnesium’s ability to regulate calcium levels in muscle cells allows for proper contraction and relaxation. This further helps the body manage stress-induced muscle tension.
The Link Between Magnesium And Sleep
Stress often disrupts sleep and poor sleep only worsens stress, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. Magnesium can help by promoting deeper, more restorative slumber. It works by supporting the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and by calming the nervous system to prepare the body for rest.
If stress has been keeping you awake at night, adding magnesium to your routine might provide the relaxation you need for better sleep. As well as overall stress management.
Massage And Magnesium For Stress Relief
While magnesium helps internally, massage works externally to address stress and tension. Together they provide a holistic approach to relaxation. Massage reduces muscle tightness, improves circulation and promotes the release of endorphins. Magnesium complements these effects by calming the nervous system and reducing inflammation.
For example, if stress leaves you with tight shoulders or a tense back, massage therapy can relieve physical discomfort. Combine this with magnesium supports the body’s natural relaxation mechanisms, making recovery more effective.
How To Add Magnesium Into Your Routine
Using magnesium for stress can be as simple as making dietary changes or taking supplements. Foods such as spinach, almonds and dark chocolate are excellent sources of magnesium and can easily be included in meals and snacks.
If adjusting your diet isn’t sufficient, magnesium supplements are another option. They’re available in various forms, such as magnesium citrate or glycinate, which are known for their high bioavailability.
Why Magnesium For Stress Isn’t Enough
While magnesium can significantly help with stress, it’s important to combine it with other effective techniques. Massage therapy provides both physical and emotional benefits that magnesium cannot achieve on its own. Additionally, regular exercise, yoga and a balanced diet can work alongside magnesium to further reduce stress levels and enhance overall well-being.
In Summary
Magnesium offers a natural way to support relaxation and stress relief by calming the nervous system, regulating hormones, and improving sleep. When combined with massage therapy, it creates a well-rounded approach to managing stress and tension(2). Whether through diet, supplements or both, magnesium can make a valuable addition to your stress management routine.
How To Book A Massage In York
If you would like to book a massage in York for stress relief please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in a variety of bodily functions, including muscle health. You’ve probably heard that if you take magnesium for tight muscles it can help. But how effective is it at relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation? Let’s take a look at how magnesium affects muscle health and how it can be a useful accompaniment to massage.
Magnesium is involved with more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body(1). This includes muscle function. By assisting with the regulation of calcium levels in muscle cells it allows for proper contraction and relaxation. Without enough magnesium your muscles can become overly excited, which can contribute to tension, cramping or spasms.
When you have sufficient magnesium they can contract and relax more efficiently, reducing the risk of tightness. This is why taking magnesium for tight muscles can help to reduce discomfort.
Magnesium And Muscle Cramps
Magnesium deficiency is often associated with muscle cramps, especially in athletes and people who engage in regular physical activity. When magnesium levels drop too low, muscles may not fully relax, leading to the sensation of cramp or stiffness. Increasing your magnesium intake can help alleviate these this by supporting the muscles ability to relax.
If you suffer from cramps, particularly during the night, magnesium might offer some relief. It’s important to note, however, that it’s always best to talk to a healthcare provider if cramps persist. They could be caused by other underlying issues.
Magnesium For Tight Muscles Caused By Stress
Stress is another common contributor to tight muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders and back. Stress can cause your body to remain in a “fight or flight” state, keeping muscles tense for prolonged periods. Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system which may help reduce stress levels and associated muscle tension.
Eating foods high in magnesium may support your body in managing stress and help your muscles relax more naturally.
How Much Magnesium For Tight Muscles?
For women it is recommended you get around 300mg of magnesium per day while for men it’s around 400mg (2). But be sure to check with your doctor how much is best for you personally as medications can affect or be affected by magnesium. The best way to get magnesium is through your diet from foods such as:
If you can’t manage it you can always try magnesium supplements. They’re relatively cheap and with several different types to try.
Do I Still Need A Massage For Tight Muscles?
Although magnesium can help relax muscles and prevent cramps, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t address underlying issues. Muscle knots, scar tissue or tissue damage will still require massage therapy which will also help to break up adhesions and relieve tight muscles. Like other supplements, magnesium can assist your treatment in the same way as stretching and corrective exercises.
In Summary
Magnesium is a vital mineral that can support muscle relaxation, reduce cramps and even help manage stress-induced tension. If you’re considering trying magnesium for tight muscles however, remember that it’s no substitute for a professional massage.
How To Book A Mobile Massage Or Personal Training In York
If you would like to book a mobile massage or personal training in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
As a massage therapist in York, I most often give sports massages for lower back pain. Back pain can start as a small ache or twinge that you feel now and again. Something which comes and goes that you treat with a hot bath or painkiller. But then it hurts more often than it doesn’t and before you know it the pain is constant and seriously affecting your daily life. Even if it seems like it came on more suddenly, your muscles were no doubt tight long before that. There are many possible causes, such as prolonged sitting or standing, poor posture, jogging or weight training. But these are just the most common and it’s important to figure out the source of yours to help prevent it returning in the future.
Let’s start with a few examples before moving on to how a sports massage for lower back pain can help.
Some health experts have said that too much sitting is as bad for our health as smoking(1). Whether or not this is true, it’s definitely bad for your back. If your lower back pain is like an ache when you’re sitting, there’s a good chance that prolonged sitting is what caused it in the first place. This could be from driving in York, working at a desk, or slumped on the sofa working from home. Unless you have a very strong core that can keep your back in its correct position for several hours a day your muscles are going to be tight. And tight muscles eventually become sore and inflamed, even when you’re not sitting.
But Is It Just Your Lower Back?
If prolonged sitting is the reason you’re wanting of a sports massage for lower back pain, it will definitely help. But the area most in need might not be in your lower back, it could be the muscles of your hips and glutes. When you’re in a seated position, your hip muscles contract and become shortened. As are your gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and piriformis. This means they will tighten up, become inflamed and have reduced blood supply. And that can send pain into your lower back. The job of those muscles is to assist with hip abduction when you’re walking. When they’re tight however, your quadratus lumborum (QL) has to take over. This back muscle now has to do a job it wasn’t designed for, which further stresses something that is already a tight and weak.
Lower Back Pain When Standing
If your lower back issues are at their worst when you are standing, or straightening up after bending forward, the cause is likely to be related to your hips and glutes. As mentioned earlier, sitting for long periods can tighten up those muscles and affect your back. But so can prolonged standing. This doesn’t mean when you’re walking around or being generally active though. It means standing in pretty much the same place.
Jobs such as a barrista, factory worker or chef are good examples(2).
Why Is This Bad For Your Muscles?
This position shortens your glutes and your lower back, leading to a lack of flexibility in these muscles. Specifically, your gluteus maximus and medius and your quadratus lumborum (QL). As well as your erector spinae muscles which run alongside your spine from your lower back up to your neck. And let’s not forget your hamstrings, already tight from sitting and driving, which can tighten further, adding to the discomfort.
Bending forward becomes a particular struggle when these shortened muscles tighten further, leaving your lower back feeling stiff and achy.When you do, all of these muscles have to stretch, which they no longer find easy. And because your glutes can’t do the job they’re meant for, your hamstrings and especially your lower back have to try to take over. This can turn a chronic back ache into a jolt of sudden of pain. Even if it’s something as simple as putting on your socks in the morning.
Lower Back Pain In Bed
If you struggle through the day with back pain you can at least check your sitting and standing posture. You can also do some gentle stretches and mobilisation exercises to help prevent things getting worse while you have treatment. For some people, laying down takes all of the pressure off their back and allows them some relief. But for others, laying down, especially in bed, can make things even worse. And a good night’s sleep free from waking up every time you turn over a distant memory.
Getting Up Can Be Even Worse
You might also find sitting up to get out of bed in the morning just as difficult. And instead you have to wriggle on to one side so you can get your knees underneath you and then roll to the floor. This problem can be caused by issues which have been mentioned before. A tight quadratus lumborum (QL), erector spinae and tight glutes.
If you tend to sleep on your front or back this puts these muscles in a very short position. As a result they will stiffen up during the night. Sitting up to get out of bed then requires these muscles to stretch, which is what causes the pain. Side sleeping stretches one QL while shortening the other, creating a muscle imbalance that can contribute to pain. Especially if you have a soft mattress(3). Then when you try to turn over you are asking these muscles to work and for the shortened muscle to stretch. Not only can this action be very painful it can also cause injury in the form of a muscle strain.
Exercise And Lower Back Pain
There are many causes of lower back pain while exercising, whether this is group classes, lifting weights or jogging. And while the muscles involved are usually the same, the reason why you are having problems with them can differ.
Lower Back Pain From Deadlifts
If deadlifts are your issue, such as a sharp pain or stiffness during the exercise, there are two main reasons. The first is glute muscles that are too tight or weak to allow you to bend at the hip. The second is a tight QL and erector spinae muscles trying to do a job they’re not designed for. Both of these things will also prevent you from maintaining a correct S-shaped spine and instead it will be more C-shaped. If you are doing squats, these tight muscles will instead cause an excessive lumbar curve. And this will put a lot of pressure on your lower back.
Lower Back Pain When Jogging
If jogging around York is when you feel your lower back pain, a common reason is tight glute muscles. Specifically, your gluteus medius. The reason for this is when you run (or walk) it should be doing the job of hip abduction. But if it’s tight and weak your QL has to do the work instead, which puts excessive strain on your lower back.Running on hard surfaces like pavement or roads can further exacerbate the situation.
Lower Back Pain From Exercise Classes
The two previous examples can cause your lower back pain even if you’re concentrating on your technique. But doing them at speed in a group exercise class such as Body Pump can be just as bad if not worse. Countless reps involving bending, lifting and twisting with no time to think about that twinge in your back can all add up to a major problem. And a tight muscle anywhere can lead to compensation by others that shouldn’t really be involved in that movement.
Poor Posture And Lower Back Pain
Having a good posture means your body is in its optimum position for what it’s doing. Whether this is sitting, standing, picking something up, running, doing a specific exercise at the gym, DIY, gardening, using your phone or laptop or even sleeping. If your posture is good, you are less likely to get injured. This is because you are using your body as it was meant to be used. If it’s bad you could be using the muscles on one side more than the other. Or making them work in a way they’re not designed to.
It could be that many years ago you had an accident or injury that caused a small change to your posture you were unaware of. And over time this has developed into something far more significant in that area. Or it could have progressed to the point where the painful muscle is not the one you originally injured(4).
What Does This Have To Do With Lower Back Pain?
Well, if you have a poor posture it affects the way you sit, stand, move and lift. Instead of maintaining a healthy S-shaped curve, chronic poor posture can gradually flatten your lower back, setting the stage for potential discomfort. Especially if you slump in your chair.
Another common cause is picking things up by bending at your waist rather than your hips, which can lead to a strain or even a slipped disc. In turn this can lead to excessive lumbar curve and be the cause of problems in your upper back. The reason for this is your glute muscles have become tight and therefore weak. This means that your hamstrings and lower back have had to take over the role to compensate. Your erector spinae and QL also then become tighter and therefore shorter, which is what causes you to have a poor posture. And your poor posture is what can cause lower back pain.
Muscles Targeted In A Sports Massage For Lower Back Pain
This article has highlighted the quadratus lumborum (QL), the erector spinae and the gluteus medius muscles as major contributors to lower back pain. But where exactly are they and how will a sports massage for lower back pain help?
The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) And Erector Spinae
The QL is a deep muscle in your lower back. It runs from the iliac crest of your pelvis and connects to your lumbar vertebrae and lowest rib. If just one side contracts you will bend to that side at the waist. If you are already bending forward and both sides contract they will straighten you up to an upright position.
The erector spinae is a group of 3 muscles alongside your spine. They run from the iliac crest of your pelvis all the way up to your head. Like the QL, if one side contracts you will bend to that side, if both sides contract you will straighten. The difference is that the erector spinae affect the length of the back, therefore keeping it straight during a deadlift type movement.
Tightness in the erector spinae or QL will contribute to an excessive lumbar curve. And it is tightness, overuse or incorrect use of these muscles that is most often responsible for lower back pain.
The Gluteus Medius
Although you are less likely to feel pain in your gluteus medius, issues here are often the initial cause of your lower back pain. It is hidden deep under your gluteus maximus (buttock) and connect your femur (thigh) to your pelvis. When contracted it abducts your hip, meaning it moves one leg away from the other. It also stabilises your pelvis when you walk or run. Problems arise when you do something that involves bending at the waist, especially with a heavy weight or when twisted. It is tightness or weakness here that contributes to incorrect use of the QL.
How A Sports Massage For Lower Back Pain Can Help
A sports massage for lower back pain would initially focus on reducing the discomfort in your QL and erector spinae. This means getting rid of any scar tissue that has built up and increasing blood supply to the area. As well as increasing flexibility to allow your pelvis to move more freely. This is likely just a symptom of issues with your gluteus muscles however. So in order to prevent your back issues returning the underlying cause should be dealt with by also massaging your gluteus medius.
How To Book A Sports Massage For Lower Back Pain
If you would like to book a sports massage for lower back pain in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
Massage in York offers mobile massage in York and the surrounding area. I am an experienced, fully qualified massage therapist and if you’re in need of a massage, I will come to you. If you want information on how to book a mobile massage click here. Or keep reading for answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If a hectic life is giving you stress or you’re struggling to get about due to back pain or an injury, the last thing you want to do is fight your way through York’s endless traffic or walk any further than absolutely necessary to get treatment. A mobile massage from Massage In York is the answer. Available from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week, you can book a massage to fit in with your schedule.
What Does A Mobile Massage Involve?
Besides taking place in your home, a mobile massage is like any other massage and can involve different techniques to suit your needs. This includes a Swedish massage for relaxation, insomnia treatment, a boost to your immune system and numerous other benefits. Click to find out more about Swedish Massage.
Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage are for treating pain or injuries. Whether this is back or neck pain from prolonged computer work or a strain from sport or working out. Or rehabilitation to help improve flexibility and mobility after recovery an injury or operation. Click to find out more about Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage.
If you aren’t sure what type of massage your need that’s not a problem. Whether you’re wanting general relaxation or something more specific such as an area of tension or injury, we can decide together which would be best.
Do You Use A Massage Table?
A massage table is what you will commonly find in a massage salon. While I do have one to use when necessary, I mainly use a massage mattress. Not only do many people find them more comfortable they take up less room, so you don’t need such a large open space.
Does A Massage Hurt?
Despite what many people believe, a massage does not have to hurt to be effective(1). For optimal results, when treating injuries or addressing knots, a deep tissue massage will prioritize muscle relaxation. If the level of pressure is causing you pain or too much discomfort you are unlikely to be relaxed. In the unlikely event this is the case during your massage don’t be afraid (or too polite) to say so.
Do You Provide Oil, Towels etc?
Just like you wouldn’t expect to take your own towels to a salon, a mobile massage from Massage In York is no different. I provide everything that is required. However, if you wish to use your own towels, as some people prefer, you are welcome to do so. Also if you have allergies you might want to provide an oil that you know is suitable.
Do I Need To Complete A Health Questionnaire?
Completing a brief consultation form is necessary before the massage begins but this does not affect your massage time. This information helps to ensure your safety and well-being by identifying any potential risks before your massage. It also needs to be done for insurance purposes and only takes a couple of minutes. Alternatively I can email you the consultation form in advance if you’d like to complete it at your convenience.
Is a Mobile Massage As Good As Massage In A Salon?
The qualifications and training required to offer mobile massage are exactly the same as a massage offered anywhere else. I have a diploma in massage therapy and originally began massaging in 2005. I also qualified as an advanced personal trainer in 2008 and these qualifications cover all aspects of health and fitness. They include client lifestyle and fitness assessment, nutrition, weight management, and postural analysis. This helps me diagnose the causes of many problems and offer advice on how to prevent their return after massage.
A mobile massage is also more private and more convenient than in a salon. And when they’re finished you don’t have the hassle of getting home, you’re already there!
If you’re looking for a massage therapist in york and would like to book please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
My name is David Hields and I’m a Massage Therapist in York. I offer sports massage, deep tissue and Swedish (relaxation) massage. I use these to treat a wide variety of issues and complaints. This includes relief from sudden or chronic, muscle relaxation to ease tension and knots, injury rehabilitation and reduction of scar tissue. Also pre and post-sport/workout massages to help muscles recover and ease or prevent injuries.
Some issues are quite straightforward. For example, tennis or golfer’s elbow is pain on the outside or inside of the forearm usually the result of repetitive strain. This causes tension and inflammation in the muscles, treated by rest and massage to the affected area.
But things can get a lot more complicated.
If you have a pain in your foot when you run, or even just when you walk, you might have plantar fasciitis. You could try stretching or rolling your foot over a tennis ball, but this is just treating the symptom. The cause of the pain is more likely to be tight muscles in your calves. But why are they tight?
As a massage therapist in York I look for the source of the issue. In the case of foot pain (plantar fasciitis) I have seen this be caused by tight calves, which in turn was caused by an incorrect walking action. This was the result of tight hip muscles (gluteus medius(1)) which also caused lower back pain. As well as neck and shoulder pain!
How A Massage Therapist Can Help
The above example shows that some issues are not simply the result of over use or repetitive strain. Instead they can be complex and require not just massage to the affected muscles but also those that are causing it. In this case the lower back and hips. As an experienced massage therapist I can also offer stretches to help speed up recovery. Plus with a background in personal training I offer corrective rehabilitation exercises catering to all levels of fitness.
Book A Mobile Massage
If you’re looking for a mobile massage in york and would like to book please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, driving, or looking down at a screen or mobile phone, you’re putting a lot of stress on your neck. Over time this will lead to a change in your posture which will cause problems elsewhere. Getting a massage for neck pain can fix this. Relaxing tight muscles and allowing them to function properly will allow you to sit in a more natural position. One that won’t leave you rubbing your neck for relief every few minutes.
When you feel soreness in the back of your neck, your hand instinctively goes to rub the painful area. While several muscles make up the back of your neck, one in particular is usually the cause of your problems. Your trapezius, which starts at the base of your skull. It then runs down your neck, out to your shoulder blades and extends down to mid-back alongside your spine. When it’s functioning correctly it holds your head and neck upright and your shoulders back. But if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, or standing while looking down, this usually isn’t the case. Getting a massage for neck pain can fix this but the treatments are slightly different.
Neck Pain Caused By Sitting
Unless you maintain a good posture, sitting at a desk and staring at a computer screen will cause you to slump forward with rounded shoulders. This is especially the case if you are reaching forward to use a mouse or type on a keyboard. Plus in this position you have no option but to tilt your head up to look at the screen. This is known as forward head posture(1) which can eventually cause a neck hump if not corrected. I’ve seen people in their 20’s already showing signs of this. Besides the obvious neck pain common symptoms include headache or migraines, TMJ disorder / bruxism and upper back pain.
A massage for neck pain of this type would concentrate on relaxing the trapezius. This muscle extends up to the top of the neck / base of the skull area and down to the mid back. Lengthening the muscles in this area will also be necessary to improve flexibility and mobility in the upper back and neck.
Neck Pain Caused By Mobile Phone Use
Neck pain from mobile phone use, such as messaging or being online, comes from looking down too much. This also applies to jobs such as hairdresser, dentist or cashiers. The problem is made even worse because most people don’t tilt their head to look down, they extend their neck. This is known as anterior head syndrome or text neck(2). Common symptoms include a stiff neck, upper back pain, especially between the shoulder blades and difficulty looking upwards.
A massage for neck pain of this type would still involve relaxing the muscles of the trapezius. Flexibility here isn’t the issue though. Instead it is the muscles at the front of the neck / upper chest that will require an improvement in mobility and flexibility.
Summary
If you need a massage for neck pain don’t wait for it to get worse before you do something. Delaying treatment for neck pain could lead to complications like headaches, migraines, upper back issues, bruxism, and even a neck hump. Seeking prompt attention from a massage therapist can help to prevent these issues and alleviate your current discomfort.
Book A Mobile Massage
If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
Pregnancy massage, otherwise known as prenatal massage, has been proven to offer numerous physical and emotional benefits. The body makes some dramatic changes in a very short time. These include weight gain, postural changes and an influx of hormones. So it’s not surprising that most pregnant women get a few aches and pains along with general feelings of stress and fatigue. Pregnancy massage can help to relieve all of this and more. This can help you to get a good night’s sleep when you need it most.
As a massage therapist, one of the most common complaints during pregnancy I hear is lower back pain or sciatica. This is due to your growing baby affecting your centre of gravity, leading to muscular strain and discomfort. This puts pressure on muscles that are having to work in a way they weren’t really designed for. The result is lower back pain which can lead to pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs down your leg. This is known as sciatica and is especially likely if you already had lower back issues to begin with.
Pregnancy Massage For Upper Back And Shoulder Pain
Although upper back and shoulder pain can occur during pregnancy, they are less likely to be from postural issues. Instead the general stress and anxiety of aches and pains, your changing body and increasingly interrupted sleep are probably the cause. If left untreated this can lead to headaches and even migraines. And the cause is tension in the muscles of your shoulders and neck extends across your scalp and forehead.
Pregnancy causes changes in the release of many hormones, notably one called Relaxin(1). This hormone is responsible for relaxing your muscles so that you are flexible enough for giving birth. But it can also cause pain in some or all of your joints. Massage increases circulation and has an overall anti-inflammatory effect that can help to reduce the discomfort.
Pregnancy massage also lower stress hormones such as cortisol which commonly rise during pregnancy. This can help reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood and increase sleep quality. It also stimulates the release of serotonin and endorphins which promote an overall feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.
Other Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage
Increases Blood Flow – Blood volume can increase up to 60% during pregnancy and massage improves blood flow back to the heart. It also increases blood flow to the uterus and placenta.
Removes Toxins – Increased blood flow from massage provides more nutrients to mother and baby. It also stimulates the lymphatic system which helps to remove toxins from the body.
Helps Ease Many Common Issues – Stiffness, tension, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, heartburn, acid reflux, varicose veins, hip pain, constipation, IBS and more.(2)
Important
If you are in any doubt, please check with your doctor before you book a pregnancy massage. Especially if you are experiencing any complications.
Book A Mobile Massage
If you’re looking for a massage in york and would like to book please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here
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