Posted by IsoM on January 31, 2003, at 14:59:41
In reply to Re: RSI - Take Alexander Technique lessons!!!!! » bluedog, posted by Tabitha on January 31, 2003, at 14:33:05
Tabby, have you access to a hot tub or spa where you can sit in very warm or hot water & thoroughly relax? I find lying in a hard tub to be counterproductive. It's not possible to be comfortable enough. The warmth will increase circulation to stiff muscles. When your muscles are contracted, they tighten, pinching off the normal blood flow to each tiny muscle group. Warmth relaxes the muscles & lets the blood flow. Then when your muscles are relaxed, that's the best time to stretch.
Another thing - don't be inactive. Put on music when you're alone & dance. Just move yourself however you want to - no one's watching, it's not a competition. Just move your entire body, arms, hips, neck & shoulders. But don't put on something too fast so your movements would be quick. You want to use the dance & music to relax & release tension, not add to it. Music is so healing & our body inately knows to move in rhythm to it.
And when you wake up in the morning, give yourself a few extra minutes to stretch & curl about in bed. When I stretch, it feels so good that I make little grunting, sighing noises. Now my boy kitty imitates me when he stretches. Twist from side to side, letting your body dictate what to stretch. You don't need to force it, it'll feel good. A morning stretch warms up your muscles & gets blood circulating to muscles unused & stiff through the night.
And try to be aware of your muscles & body through the day. When you feel tension building, let your shoulders slump. Wiggle them around. Shift your shoulder joints back & forward, up & down. Do it smoothly. Sag your mouth open. It'll all help to loosen up the tension.
There's no one cure. It's an ongoing thing involving diff tactics to keep us supple & relaxed. Humans weren't meant to sit or stand in one position for long. Don't force your body to do what it's not meant to.
poster:IsoM
thread:35972
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030120/msgs/35989.html