Great Lakes Therapeutic Massage

Although the greatest benefits of massage therapy are received through a trained professional, there is much that one can do to ensure a healthier lifestyle for themselves. Below are several techniques that can be performed throughout the day to promote positive feeling and healthy living.

Hydrotherapy
	Cold Compress - Used only to reduce inflammation
	Hot Compress - Used to relax the muscles and promote blood flow. Moist heat is best because it penetrates the muscle more deeply
	Both hot and cold compresses should be used 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Sometimes both can be alternated for different results.

Drink Plenty of Water
	Everyone should be drinking 2/3 their body weight in oz. per day. This is to ensure that the cells are thriving in a normal environment in order to create and sustain healthy tissue formation.

Deep Breathing Exercises
	Inhale deeply through the nose, expanding the abdomen. Then exhale completely through the mouth, releasing the abdomen.

Excercise
	Yoga, walking, and Pilates are all great strengthening exercises. Also try using an excercise ball to aid in stretching techniques.

Stretching
	A vital part of maintaining good health. Click Here for a chart of several stretches that you can perform at home, at work or pretty much anywhere.

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