What Happens to Your Body When you Get a Massage?

They're about as relaxing as they get, and in general, most can't wait until their next massage appointment. They're that good. The room is quiet and warm, you get to lay on a padded surface, and a trained professional will rub out your kinks from head to toe – even asking how well you like the pressure throughout. Really, there's no argument that massages are pretty amazing.

But what exactly do they do to make you so sore the next day? And are there any times you shouldn't get a massage? 

In general, you should only book a massage if you're healthy. No colds and no hangovers. Women who are pregnant should wait until their second trimester before going in for a prenatal session. This is due to the amount of toxins that will be pushed throughout your body. During a massage, the muscles are soothed and eased, but that also causes toxins to be pressed out of muscles and released back into the bloodstream. It's what can make you so sore the day after a massage. (When sick or hungover, re-releasing those chemicals can make you feel far worse, or sick all over again.) 

It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water so your body can naturally flush out those same substances. The more water you're able to drink, and the better you can keep the body fluid, the less sore you will be. Best of all: you should feel extra good in a few days, once your muscles have recovered and you can take advantage of your new knot-free state. 

You might find yourself especially tired. Not just because of the relaxing session you just had, but because your body is working overtime at repairing, flushing, and getting itself back to normal. 

There are plenty of healthy benefits to booking a massage, consider signing up today for a relaxing way to remove bodily toxins. 

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Why You Should Stretch Before Bed

If you stretch in the morning before getting up, you know it can be a great way to let oxygen into the bloodstream. It perks muscles up, allows them to breathe, and is a quick way to jumpstart your entire body for the day. And those are only a handful of perks that come with muscles that are regularly stretched. It can also be beneficial to stretch at night – essentially "waking up" the muscles before bed. 

Why? Stretching also relaxes and soothes the muscles. It helps ease them into rest, and pulls out excess tightness or tension that was hiding deep within. Focusing on the back especially will also help your spine and bones settle, which can then reduce sleeping pains. As we rest, the body often falls into awkward positions, which then cause aches and pains. But by promoting better alignment early on, you can reduce these painful layouts before they take place. 

Do You Need a Routine?

Maybe. If you have a particular area that bothers you (any time of day), talk to a doctor or sleeping specialist about stretches that might help. Either by toning, or strengthening a specific area. Or, experiment on your own and see which movements provide the best relief. Tips and tutorials can also be found online, especially when using props like a foam roller or a stretching band. You might even find that you like additional stretches from a workout perspective, not just because they help you relax. 

Stretching, when paired with a healthy sleep routine, can work to greatly increase your body's efficiency levels. As well as your ability to res and ongoing comfort patterns. Consider starting your own stretching regimen for an easy, effective way to prep your body for deep and restful sleep.  

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How Often Should you Be Stretching?

Stretching the muscles is a simple and satisfying say to improve health. Not only does it add strength and increase the blood and oxygen flow, as well as expanding flexibility, it makes the muscles feel good. Which, in turn, makes you feel good. It's like a mini workout that can be achieved just by reaching for your extremities. An easy movement that can be done quickly, or drawn out in order to gain more muscle attention. Because of this ease of adaptability, and due to its intense benefits, stretching has long been seen as a go-to health factor. 

But how often should you be doing it? And what muscles need the most attention? In general, it's difficult, if not impossible to "over stretch." While it's still working the muscles, it's not doing so in a strenuous manner. While you should always check with a doctor, stretching can be done on a regular basis – when you feel sore to ease pains, or to wake yourself up if feeling tired. There are even (slightly controversial) studies showing that frequency in stretching isn't important. So long as you're doing it regularly, results will be seen. Others will learn their specific bodily needs and adjust stretching habits accordingly. However, one should also stretch a few times a week – two or three sessions – in order to get the most out of their efforts. More is certainly acceptable, while less can prevent muscles from reaching their full health potential. 

Whether you're a life long stretcher or are looking to get into the practice, there's plenty to consider. However, so long as you're on board with stretching, healthcare professionals and laymen alike agree that it's a step in the right direction. 

Start stretching today (and a few times a week) in order to start benefitting from this simplistic, yet extremely effective, method. 

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5 Things you Didn’t Know About Stretching

Stretching is often seen as a basic human need. Before exercise it helps loosen up the body, while after allows muscles to tighten and ease back into a resting state. But did you know there’s more too it than just prep and cool down work? Stretching can actually create better muscle health. And when done correctly, and on a regular basis, it’s a routine that can create flexibility and comfort, even after a serious workout. 

5. “Static” Stretching Helps Make You Flexible

However, it should be done after a workout, not before. Static stretching means poses that you hold vs. easing or moving back and forth. It’s also a great way to ensure muscles won’t be sore the next day. Remember to use this method at the end of your workout to obtain the best results.

4. Traction Decreases Joint Pressure

Rather than stretching with your own body parts (limbs or range of motion), using a prop will get you a deeper reaction. It’ll also reduce pressure on the joints. This can be done with a stretching band, leaning up against a machine or even a wall. It’s a simple way to create a more thorough stretch with equipment that’s already in your vicinity. 

3. Stretching Will Improve Posture

Do you generally slouch and slump? Whether sitting or standing, stretching helps strengthen your core. Which will then allow you to have better posture without even thinking about it. Abdominal workouts can also create killer abs that will sit upright on their own accord.

2. You Can Control What Part of the Muscle You Stretch

Seriously. Like, to a minuscule degree. This is a great way to further your exercise routine … without actually working out harder. Talk to a trainer or muscle pro about areas you should be targeting in order to get the best results. 

1. You Should Stretch Sore Muscles … And the Ones Surrounding Them

We’ve been stretching where it hurts for years, but have you been stretching where it almost hurts? It’s a simple fix to help heal faster, and strengthen for each of your next workouts. 

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Why Healthy Muscles Matter

Despite everything they do for us in a given day, it can be easy to overlook the body’s muscles. Unlike limbs or lungs that provide a very visible function, the muscles contribute to every single movement we make. Even the small ones … or ones that don’t require moving at all, such as sitting or standing. In fact, we have more than 600 muscles in the body, all of which help contribute to gestures, breathing, blood flow, and more. Yet they’re still overlooked. With their incredible responsibilities, however, we need to ensure each muscle is up to top working abilities. 

Without proper health, the body can suffer in function efficiency, strength, and more. Generally without us even knowing what’s taking place beneath the surface. 

When an injury does occur, it’s not only harder to use a specific body part, it creates a weakened space around the torn or pulled area. This can not only lower muscle strength, but decrease other body parts’ abilities in the process. 

What Healthy Muscles Can Do

Aside from the obvious, such as allowing us to play sports, and perform even the smallest of movements, muscles have a number of additional uses. They help keep joints strong and working properly, they keep the heart pumping and moving blood throughout the body. Additionally, muscles help hold bones and organs in place, while allowing them perform their duties as needed. Toned muscles will also allow you more strength not only physically, but when burning fat and digesting foods. Overall, it’s a team effort contributing toward the goal of total body health.

For all they do for us, be sure to take proper care of your muscles on any given day. This includes a proper diet, exercise, sleep, as well as hydration. It’s one of the healthiest ways to care from your body from the inside out. 

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New Product: The Backarc Massager

Who says a great massage can’t happen at home … without the help of a professional, or even a non-pro? With Contour Living’s new product, the Backarc Massager, anyone and everyone can create their very own at-home, deep tissue massage. No expensive training needed. Not to mention, no more scheduling an appointment or waiting until your significant other gets home. Now you can get the massage your muscles need whenever you desire it most. 

The product works by rolling against the wall on the mounted, wheel-hosting device. Adjust it for standing or sitting height, whichever you prefer for your regular at-home massage sessions. Then, simply line up your back and roll your way to a more relaxed disposition. Massage lengths can also be tailored to meet your needs. Opt for a short massage to release a little tension, or give yourself a deep-tissue, long-term massage to eliminate aches and pains from deep within the back. 

Additional Back Massaging Features

The Backarc Massager also allows you to:

• Adjust pressure by using one’s own body weight
• Control massage length and pressure points
• Stand or sit to achieve maximum comfort
• Meet and reach the contours of your back

To get a professional grade massage, there’s no longer the need to book an expensive salon appointment. This quality product can help eliminate pains on a daily basis, with a one-time purchase. Thanks the Backarc Massager, those of all back-related ailments can get the treatment they need whenever they need it most. And in the comfort of your own home. 

To get started on your at-home back treatments today, look no further than Contour’s latest release. It’s ease of use and high quality mechanics will offer the perfect solution to all your back muscle aches and pains.

Order now to receive free shipping and our introduction discount! 

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4 Foods to Reduce Muscle Soreness

Because the body is a complication of functions, there are several pieces holding us together. From every angle. From the bones that support our weight, to the organs that help us breathe and pump blood, to the muscles allowing us to move, there are hundreds of parts all working as a team. Which means that, when pain or soreness occurs, the nerves aren’t always to blame. And oftentimes, it’s the very muscles they help support instead.

Whether you’re coming in from a long run or lifted that dining room chair wrong, remember these super foods to help build and repair muscles.

4. Carbs

After a workout or strenuous use of the muscles, remember to load up on carbohydrates. While it’s important for the active to consume before working out, stocking up during rebuilding sessions is just as important. And if bread just isn’t your thing, consider pasta or carb-heavy alternatives instead.

3. Antioxidants 

Nothing quite clears out the muscles like antioxidants. Be sure to get in a good helping to keep your body clear of toxins that can cause pain. Look to natural juices (cheery is a number one antioxidant blaster), ginger, or turmeric.

2. Small, Frequent Meals 

Rather than over-stuffing, which can prevent digestion and future movement, consider small meals throughout the day. By pacing the body, you can allow it to better heal itself without focusing too heavily on food processing. Healthy options are best here as well, such as fruit, protein bars, and greens.

Keep bars on hand as well for healthy snacking while on the go.

1. Protein Drinks

If working out, a protein drink can help start the recovery process almost immediately. Which is also a great choice for when you don’t feel like eating (post-runs or work out sessions). If sore from lifting, however, these drinks are simply a quicker way to replenish the body with the nutrients it needs.

Consider a liquid breakfast (generally the easiest meal to “skip”) or snack as soon as your muscles start showing signs of soreness.

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What Can Stretching Do for the Body?

One of the most common cures – no matter the ailment – is stretching the muscles. Whether you’re experiencing soreness, the need to limber up, or are just looking for a quick way to get the blood pumping, this is a proven go-to move among all ages.

But what is it about stretching that provides such instant results? It’s constant versatility. With the ability to increase blood and oxygen flow while slowly toning muscles, this move can practically be seen as a cure-all step. It strengthens the muscles (which improves posture), naturally works to correct pressure displacement, and increases nutrient supply, a step that keeps you from becoming sore after workouts or uncommon movements. Regular stretching can even prevent injuries, whether caused by nerves or muscle strains.

Still skeptical about stretching?

It’s not just the body it’s good for, but the mind. Stretching, even for a short amount of time, has been proven to relieve tension and increase relaxation. Use it before a work out to get the most mentally (and physically) out of your daily routine, or simply use stretching on its own for a quick pick-me-up. Which is especially helpful during long periods of work or after a stressful day.

You can maximize stretching sessions by focusing most on the muscles that are sore, or by spending more time on different sections of the body each time you stretch. For example, start with the legs for 10-15 minutes, while paying close attention to any areas in pain, like the hamstrings or calves. Then, tomorrow look to the arms, abs, or back – and continue to rotate for a well-rounded stretching routine. With these ongoing movements you can easily increase blood flow and flexibility, while gaining some mental serenity in the process.

The next time you’re headed to a work out – or just need a few minutes to relax – consider stretching to get the most out of each movement.

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A Stiff Neck Can Actually be a Sign of Food Poisoning

When we hear the term “food poisoning,” most think of an unpleasant scene. One where nights are spent on the bathroom floor and food can’t be kept down until the spell has passed. A stint of nausea, pain, and the feeling of never wanting to eat again. (At least for the time being.) But contrary to popular believe, suffering from food poisoning can mean a whole new list of symptoms. Such as a stiff neck or sore muscles throughout the body. A recent announcement associated with cheeses in the New England area has been linked to listeria – a form of bacteria – telling shoppers to beware or purchasing or eating these items. Officials have warned folks to stay away from certain brands, and to look out for signs of bacteria exposure.

Specifically, a stiff neck – recurring suddenly or for multiple days on end – can mean you’ve been exposed to something other than dairy. And if left untreated, listeria exposure can lead to an infection and further health concerns. Other symptoms include nausea, a sense of confusion, loss of balance, and fever.

Other muscle aches can also be a point of concern. If you’re experiencing aches and pains that are out of the ordinary (and haven’t worked out or strained muscles recently, etc.), it may be time to talk to your doctor about potential food exposures. Be sure to look at local warnings and headlines that may explain just what bacteria(s) you may have been exposed to. Then, take note of symptoms, especially when they began to take place in relation to your intake of contaminated foods.

Oftentimes a stiff neck is only a sign of sleeping wrong or turning one’s head to quickly. However, it can also mean the onset of something far more serious. To ensure your aches are nothing more than sore muscles, talk to your doctor today.

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4 Ways Stress Increases Muscle Pains

Having a stressful day is never fun – on any level – but according to some new research, it could also come with pain. Adding to any chances in mood, personality, or looming deadlines, stress can be literally painful. This is perhaps most seen in the muscles, especially in areas with ongoing injuries or recurring aches. However, each person can also experience these pains in a different format.

From tension to endorphins, here are the top five ways in which stress can trigger muscle pains.

4. Stress affects posture

Dealing with stressful situations can cause you to hunch over or perform jerky movements. This means the spine isn’t able to relax, interrupting circulation and everyday tension relief.

3. Emotions block vital energy

When in proper working order, the blood and other fluids flow freely throughout the body, increasing circulation and pain-relief efficiency. However, when stressed, emotions as a block, stopping important fluids from making their way.

2. Adrenaline is on short supply

It’s natural for adrenaline glands to produce endorphins that increase moods and decrease pains. But when stress happens, these glands are blocked, greatly reducing the amount of good-feeling substances available. This means ongoing stress has a direct affect on back or other recurring pains.

1. The body (and mind) can’t relax

Stress means you aren’t able to completely relax – this causes both the body and mind to be on edge. Without this much-needed relaxing time, muscles are tense, and don’t get the ability to rest and rejuvenate.

When it comes to stress, there are several triggers that can cause additional body pain. While some can manifest within the specific body parts (such as the back), other aches simply take place wherever the body is most vulnerable. To help avoid these stress-induced pains, look for less stressful situations – and the ability to fully relax – as an everyday rule.

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5 Reasons to Give a Back Massage for the Holidays

When shopping for the person who has everything, nothing says “what a thoughtful gift” like a massage. Whether in the form of a gift certificate, a power-operated chair, or a hand-held back scrawler, it’s a great way to offer comfort whenever it’s needed most. When considering the gift of massage this holiday season, consider these five compelling reasons as to why it should top your list.

5. It’s Self-Redeemable

Though it’s given around the holidays, massages can be scheduled for any time of year – right when your giftee needs it most. These post-dated presents offer a chance to redeem some holiday cheer even long after the decorations have been put away. (However, double check on gift card dates to see just how long their lifespan lasts.)

4. It Relaxes and Loosens the Back Muscles

A massage of any kind can work to ease any receiver into a more relaxed state, reducing tension, muscle tightness, and overall worries. This is often a must-need for those with stressful jobs or schedules.

3. It Can Lower Stress and Back Pains

For those with repeat back pain, a massage is a great way to relieve muscles. You can even ask for recommended types of pressure treatments, based on the location and severity of each person’s pain.

2. It’s a Gift Few Will Buy for Themselves

Though some often indulge in self-funded massages, most write it off as an unnecessary expense. What a great way to show a loved one they not only deserve a relaxing break, but that you’re willing to provide it for them.

1. It’s a Personal, Yet Universal Gift

Massages come in all lengths and types and can work into any way of life. Opt for different areas of techniques or backgrounds (acupuncture, deep tissue, aromatherapy, etc.) to best fit every massage-deserving person on your shopping list.

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Sore Muscles? Try Trigger Point Therapy

When suffering from a sore muscle, there are few tasks worth performing. Even those that are necessary. Depending on where the affected area may be, it can be painful to twist, turn, move one’s head, or make even the slightest movement. When rare or taking place after a specific injury, this becomes much easier to swallow. But when waking up with ongoing pains, everyday tasks are difficult, if not downright impossible, to complete.

One of the easiest ways to find some relief comes from exercise treatment or specialized therapies, which actually work to heal each area rather than mask its symptoms. By working on an area from the inside out, the suffering can not only be reduced, but leave an area healthier in the process. One such form of therapy does just that. By placing specific pressure on a “trigger point” – a muscle that causes pain – the area can relax and heal.

Generally, the therapy is performed by a trained masseur and takes place over several appointments. The masseur presses (firmly, depending on the level of pain) on the injured area, and then removes all weight, acting as a pressure and release routine. Over time, the muscle is able to relax, loosen (allowing the patient to feel less pain), and reconstruct itself.

Trigger point therapy also works with timed breathing cycles and various pain assessments to determine exactly which area of the body is the “trigger”. Though it’s considered less relaxing than a traditional massage – as the receiver actively participates through responses – this therapy is meant to heal rather than to pamper. Patients regularly report positive results, and some said they also received alternate massage treatments to help relax the rest of the body. [TPTherapy]

And with any type of massage, heavy hydration before and after is recommended. By consuming plenty of water, the body can flush out any unnecessary toxins, which help to advance the affects of the treatment.

Talk to your masseur or local parlor/salon to find out more.

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The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep

The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome distinguished by widespread musculoskeletal pain in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. While not considered to be a true form of arthritis, it is a type of rheumatism of the soft tissues and muscles. It is a fairly common condition, affecting about 5 million people in the United States, although the cause of Fibromyalgia remains a mystery. Over 75% of those who have FMS are women between the ages of thirty-five to sixty, however it can affect anyone at any age, but in preadolescent children, the condition strikes boys and girls equally as often.

Over 90% of FMS sufferers experience significant sleep disturbances. Specifically, stage four sleep, the deepest, most restorative level of sleep, is deficient. This is when muscles and other parts of the body typically have an opportunity to regenerate for the next day. Medical experts agree that muscle pain occurs in Fibromyalgia patients because the muscles are deprived of the rejuvenation process that would otherwise occur during sleep. Sleep problems among FMS patients vary. While some may have trouble falling asleep, others awaken numerous times during the night, tossing and turning, and may be unable to fall back to sleep at all. Still others wake up far earlier than what would be considered normal.

It should be no surprise then, that fatigue during the day is also an issue for FMS sufferers. The ability to function normally and in a productive fashion is greatly diminished in a number of FMS patients. Often times, a person with FMS is exhausted at the end of the day, and in desperate need of a good nights sleep, but is robbed of that night after night because of the syndrome.




People who have FMS should take extra steps to help ensure the best nights rest possible. The Contour Living online store carries several products that provide better support and cushion for your body during the night. Specifically, our Contour Cloud pillow provides the correct balance of firm foam for head and neck support and 100% memory foam for unsurpassed comfort. Likewise, our Contour Cloud mattress pad supplies the same level of support for your entire body. The pad covers your bed and provides firm foam support where needed with a top layer of contoured memory foam. Other better sleep products include the leg pillow, BackMax lounger, Mattress Genie and more choices in pillows.

With the proper nighttime support and a new level of comfort, FMS sufferers may be able to minimize the toll that this condition can take on restorative sleep, reduce aches and pains, and maintain an active and productive lifestyle.

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