29/03/2023
Why Hairdressers and Stylists Need Massage.
Hairdressing and styling is not just an art, it's a physical endurance test. The job demands you to stand for prolonged hours, twist your back and neck in different positions, and use your hands in repetitive movements which can often result in severe and debilitating muscle and back pain. This pain can not only impact the hairdresser's daily activities, but it can also render them helpless in their profession.
As a massage therapist with over six years of experience, Michelle Hardcastle from Healing Hands Massage Barnsley knows firsthand the impact of the physical demands of hairdressing and styling on the muscles and back. She says, "Muscle and back pain is a common problem for hairdressers due to the nature of their work. They spend most of the day on their feet and use their arms, shoulders, and necks in repetitive motions that can lead to sore muscles, back pain, and even debilitating injuries."
As per recent studies, over 70 per cent of hairdressers report experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain, with 35 per cent indicating that this pain impacts their ability to work. Furthermore, at least 30 per cent of hairdressers change careers due to the impact of the job on their physical health.
These statistics might seem alarming, but there is a solution. Massage therapy has been proven to alleviate back and muscle pain in hairdressers and lead to improved efficiency. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into how massage therapy can help prevent and treat muscle and back pain in hairdressers.
Firstly, massage therapy is particularly effective at treating muscle and back pain by breaking up the tension and knots in the muscles. Deep tissue massage is particularly useful as it works directly on the affected muscles to relieve the pain and improve circulation. By increasing blood flow to the affected area, the area can heal faster and the pain can be reduced over time.
Secondly, regular massage therapy sessions can help prevent muscle and back pain in hairdressers. By alleviating any tension in the muscle before it worsens and creates a knot, the likelihood of the hairdresser experiencing pain reduces. This prevention can result in less downtime for the hairdresser as there is less occurrence of muscle and back pain.
Additionally, massage therapy assists in relaxation, which has proved pivotal in stress reduction, common in hairdressers due to the nature of their job. Michelle Hardcastle says, "Hairdressing is an incredibly fast-paced and stressful environment, and this can lead to muscle tension and pain. A massage can help to reduce stress levels, relax the mind, and promote better sleep patterns."
One of Michelle's clients, Sarah, a hairdresser of 10 years, found relief from the prolonged pain in her back and neck following a series of massage therapy sessions. Sarah mentioned, "I never realized how tense and wound up I was until I lay on the massage table. It was like Michelle was able to find all the knots and tension within my muscles, and then with her magic touch, she slowly released it - it was such a relief."
If you're a hairdresser or stylist, you may be wondering how long it takes for massage therapy to be effective. While the results differ from person to person, it is recommended to schedule a series of two or three massages over a few weeks. This provides the muscle enough time to heal while ensuring any underlying knots are dealt with.
If you're ready to enhance your work performance and improve your physical health, it's time to book a massage therapy session with an expert. Michelle Hardcastle's clients praise her expertise, professionalism, and kind and patient personality. One client on Google stated "Michelle is a miracle worker, and her massages make you feel fantastic. Her attention to detail and professionalism is second to none. I urge anyone to give her a try."
In conclusion, massage therapy can prevent and alleviate muscle and back pain in hairdressers, enhancing their performance considerably. To experience the benefits of massage therapy as Sarah did, book an appointment with an expert like Michelle Hardcastle from Healing Hands Massage Barnsley. Your health, livelihood, and happiness are worth the investment.