Waking up with sore muscles is not the best way to start your day. Not only does it slow you from getting out of bed, but it’s likely to affect you as the day goes by.
The first thing you should do is pinpoint the reason you’re sore. Did you workout before going to bed? Did you go on a long run? Did you do any heavy lifting?
Identifying the reason can help you avoid a similar situation in the future.
Now, let’s look at the best way to manage sore morning muscles:
• Gentle stretching: You don’t have to go crazy. If possible, you can even stay in bed while you stretch. This is a great way to warm up your muscles, thus reducing your overall level of soreness.
• Muscle massage: You can also do this while you’re still in bed. Gently massage your sore muscles, being careful not to dig too deep.
• Ice therapy: If a particular muscle is overly sore, consider 10 to 15 minutes of ice therapy before you get your day going. It’s a bit uncomfortable at first, but it’s helpful in the long run.
These aren’t the only steps you can take to relieve sore muscles in the morning hours, but you should definitely consider the benefits of each one. A bit of experimentation will lead you to find the perfect solution.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.
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