CHARLOTTE – Last week we talked about my journey to correct my posture and find relief from sore shoulders. This week I made my massage appointment with my massage therapist Brian. I scheduled a 90-minute massage. Why 90 minutes? I think 90 minutes is perfect timing that allows the therapist to address any issues and give those issues extra attention while allowing for ample time on other areas of my body.

Brian worked the majority of the time on my upper body, paying particular attention to my shoulders, neck, back, hips, and arms. Because my shoulders have been giving me a little trouble lately, Brian did an excellent job of going over all the muscles that pertain to my shoulders. Sometimes he used a stripping technique and took his thumb and applied pressure to the entire muscle, other times he did some pin and stretch routines (where you hold one end of the muscle or muscle area and pull the muscle(s) away from where you’re stabilizing them. Even slight stretches to muscles that have lost their way feels wonderful.

He also made sure to work my upper arms (deltoids and rotator cuff muscle attachment areas in particular) and did a great job of massaging my hands and fingers. Last night I got home and had no soreness. I laid in bed thinking my shoulders feel like they are looser than before and this morning I woke up and continued the great feeling by stretching out my pecs and working on my range of motion.