10 Self-Massage Tips

After a long day at work, a massage can be a great way to relax. It can relieve muscle tension. It can also be a good way of unlocking mental health benefits, such as reducing stress. If you are suffering but unable to go to a massage therapist as quickly as you would like, there may be some advantages to giving yourself a self-massage until you can see your regular therapist! Here are some tips to get the most out of this experience.

1. Relieve Tired Eyes

In most jobs, it’s common to spend all day staring at a screen. This can often lead to eye strain. There is an easy way of addressing this problem. You just need to rub your palms together to create some heat, or you can use a heat pack to get them warm. Then, place your hot palms over your eyes for a few seconds.

2. Massaging Tired Feet

Another common problem is having to deal with sore feet, especially if you need to wear high heels during the day. The good news is that there is an easy way of resolving this pain. Place a tennis ball under your foot. Increase the amount of weight that you are putting onto the ball. You can use this to target the areas that you are experiencing tension. Roll it around your feet, targeting your heel or toes.

3. Massaging Your Spine

A simple way to massage your spine is by using a tennis ball. Get seated in a high-backed chair and place the ball on your back. You can then shift in your seat to massage the areas that are causing you pain. Sometimes, you might want to use two balls to massage multiple places at once.

4. Aiding With Constipation Pain

One of the most interesting areas that a massage can help relieve is constipation pain. To do this, you will want to lie down on the floor. Then, gently rub your stomach. You’ll want to be moving in a circular motion. Focus on the area between your pelvis and your ribs. As you are doing this, focus on breathing deeply. You should only need to do this for a few minutes.

5. Relieving Headache Pain

Everyone experiences some form of headache pain. Thankfully, there is an easy way to achieve massage relief. First, place your fingers on either side of your head, on your temples. Move in small, circular motions. Slowly, start moving upward, following your hairline. Your fingers should meet in the middle of your forehead. Repeat this process two to three times.

6. Massaging Your Hips

If you are sitting at a desk all day, you will likely develop hip pain. Thankfully, there is an easy solution. Place a foam roller on the floor. Then lie down, with your hips on the roller. Slowly roll your body down, to the top of the knee. As you are doing this, rotate your body forward. Then, roll back up to the top of your hip, rotating back into the starting position. After doing this a few times, repeat the process on the other hip.

7. Using a Heating Pad to Relieve Pain

A good way to get some relief from sore muscles after a big day or difficult workout is using a heating pad. First, you’ll want to heat it in the microwave. You want the pack to be warm but not uncomfortably hot. Once it’s the right temperature, you’ll be able to move it up the affected area. This will release any muscle tension. If you are injured, it will help reduce inflammation and swelling. And if you have a massage table, or want an electric warmer, visit our selection of massage table warmers here on Massage King. 

8. Massage Your Calves

If you have been standing all day, you might start to develop calf pain. To get some relief, place your hands on the back of your leg, just above the ankle. Gently squeeze, then release. Repeat this process moving up the calf, stopping just behind the knee. Repeat this on the other leg.

9. Easing Arm and Shoulder Tension

Another common issue is shoulder pain. This can come when you are sitting behind a desk all day. A good remedy might be to wrap your arms around your body like you are hugging yourself. Then, place your hands onto your shoulders and gently squeeze five times. Repeat this process on your forearms and wrists.

10. Get a Seat Cushion Massager

Finally, you might be looking for a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day. This is where the seat massager comes in. You just need to sit down, and it will start to knead you as a human masseuse would. If you prefer, you can do some self-massage while the chair is doing this. But if you don’t want to do any work, you can just sit back and let the seat cushion massager take your muscle tension away. Here are some tips to look for when buying seat cushion massagers.

Conclusion

There are plenty of great massage techniques you can perform at home. You don’t need any special equipment or training to relieve muscle tension. So, try some of these techniques for yourself, and maybe on yourself, today.