Aging is a gift that also comes with many challenges. You may experience stiff muscles as you get older for various reasons. While you might have pain relief medication, you don’t need to rely solely on medicine to move comfortably. Learning how massage improves mobility could give you more resources to live pain-free.

Why Mobility Is a Concern for Older Adults

Researchers found that one-third of people in their 70s and most 80-year-olds face mobility restrictions due to advancing age. Some people may develop arthritis, while others have muscle tissue inflammation. Less movement in retirement can also make muscles weaker, leading to discomfort during physical activity. 

Physical therapy can help people regain mobility by gently stretching and exercising their muscles. They hone their balance and improve their ability to remain safe while in motion. However, attending appointments and paying for professional assistance isn’t possible for everyone. Massages can supplement your efforts to improve mobility, especially when flare-ups are more intense.

How Does Massage Improve Mobility?

Massaging your muscles can make it easier to move without discomfort. Here are some specific ways massage can reduce pain and enhance mobility.

1. Pressure Can Improve Blood Flow

Imagine waking up with a stiff calf muscle. The blood vessels within that tissue might not receive the oxygen needed for your muscle to stretch while walking. Research shows that applying pressure and vibration can increase your arterial pressure, naturally improving your blood flow without raising your heart rate.

The key is finding a tool that provides both benefits. A massager like the Myobuddy Pro 2 can provide deep-tissue pain and ache relief with targeted precision. You’ll have full control over your desired pressure and vibration speed, allowing for the most comfortable massage experience while addressing aches and pains.

2. Your Muscles May Relax More Quickly

Waiting out physical discomfort is possible. Sometimes, muscle tissue needs time to ease back into its full mobility. Small steps and slow movements can work the tension out of your body, but you may find faster relief with a massage. You’ll immediately address your most uncomfortable areas and potentially make tension disappear with a gentle pressure that works in minutes.

3. Less Tension Could Improve Range of Motion

Relieving stiffness is a primary way massage improves mobility. When people target their muscle tension with a massage tool, their range of motion can improve because the stiffness disappears. The improved blood flow and pressure working the muscle tissue contribute to the effect, making massages an excellent tool for people seeking mobility support at any age.

Tips for Easing Your Muscle Aches

If you’re ready to experience pain relief and more range of motion, you can add at-home massages to your daily routine. Set yourself up for success by considering widely used strategies that make it easier to achieve better mobility outside of physical therapy appointments.

Explore Different Types of Massages

Massages are an art form. There are numerous kinds to understand, and learning about them is a crucial first step. You may not have the same mobility relief from a lymphatic massage as you would from another technique. Lymphatic pressure can relieve swelling and discomfort in your lymph nodes but won’t reduce general muscle aches.

Different forms of massage are useful in various situations. Explore techniques through videos or by making a spa appointment. You’ll know which massage improves mobility most effectively for your muscles by giving yourself time to experience self-massages and professional sessions.

Get Assistance When Needed

The best massage tools have numerous settings to relieve tension without causing extra pain. However, reaching the muscles that need the most attention is not always easy. If you can’t apply pressure on your lower back or shoulders without struggling, ask someone to operate your massage tool. You could strain your muscles more by attempting to do it alone, which may result in injuries or tissue tears.

Create a Soothing Environment

Vibration, pressure and duration aren’t the only factors that affect your massage experiences. You should also relax your muscles by creating an equally soothing environment. Play your favorite music while you work on tense tissue, start an aromatherapy machine, or light some candles. A darkened room can also help you decrease mental clutter. 

You’ll create a stress-free space to further relax your mind and body. The room may even become the perfect place to follow your massage with stretching that supports your blood sugar management strategies and further improves your range of motion.

Use Massage Therapy to Improve Your Mobility

An at-home tool like the Myobuddy Massager proves how self-massage can improve mobility. Each model gives you control over your vibration, pressure and targeted application. Get the mobility support and pain relief you need with at-home massages. If you have any questions, contact the Myobuddy team for assistance.