Quick Answer: Long car rides and flights keep you sitting in one position for hours, which can leave your hips, back and neck feeling stiff by the time you arrive. A little planning before you go, a few movement breaks on the way, and a massage before or after your trip can help you show up ready to enjoy the people you're traveling to see.
The holidays are coming, and for a lot of us that means travel. Maybe it's a drive across Wisconsin to see the grandkids, a flight to visit family, or a winter getaway you've been looking forward to all year.
You've earned these trips. What you don't want is to spend the first day of your visit stiff, sore and moving slowly while everyone else is ready to go. After 55, recovering from a long travel day can take a bit more effort than it used to. That isn't a reason to stay home. It's a reason to plan ahead and protect what you love doing.
Why do I feel so stiff after a long drive or flight?
Sitting for hours keeps your hips bent, your lower back rounded and your head often tipped forward. Your muscles stay in one shape for a long time, and when you finally stand up, they're slow to get the message that it's time to move again.
Why does it seem worse than it used to?
Many people notice that stiffness lingers longer as the years go by, especially after long stretches of sitting. Add in hauling suitcases, sleeping in a guest bed and a change in routine, and it's easy to feel out of sorts for a day or two.
What if I live with arthritis or have had a joint replacement?
If you live with arthritis, have had a joint replacement or surgery, or have any health concerns about long trips, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider before you travel. They can tell you what's right for your body. Your massage therapist can then work with you based on that guidance.
Should I get a massage before or after I travel?
Both can work. It depends on what you want from it.
A massage a few days before you leave can help you start your trip feeling loose and relaxed instead of already tight from a busy week of packing and planning. A massage after you get home can help you shake off the stiffness from the trip and settle back into your routine.
If you live in Madison or anywhere in Dane County and have a big trip coming up, you might even book one on each side of it, so travel doesn't wipe out your week.
Try This at Home
Move every hour or two. On a road trip, plan short stops to get out, walk around and stretch your legs. On a flight, stand up and walk the aisle when it's safe to do so.
Do seated ankle circles and shoulder rolls. While you sit, slowly circle each ankle and roll your shoulders back a few times. Small movements help you feel less stuck.
Pack smart and lift with care. Choose a suitcase with wheels, split heavy items into two lighter bags, and bend your knees when you lift. Let someone else help with the heavy bag. You don't have to do it all.
How Massage Helps
Every massage at A Better Body is customized. For travel stiffness, a Swedish massage can help you relax and feel more at ease in your body, while Deep Tissue or Myofascial Release may suit you if you prefer firmer pressure on tight hips, back and shoulders. Just tell your therapist where you feel it most.
Traveling with your partner? Book a Couples massage before you hit the road so you both start the trip relaxed. Add Lavender Hot Towels for a warm, calming finish. See every option on our Massage Services page.
Massage therapy supports wellness and is not a substitute for medical care. If you have persistent, sharp, or worsening pain, please check in with your doctor or healthcare provider first.
Where are you headed this holiday season, and who's waiting for you when you get there? Tell us on Facebook or Instagram.
Start Your Trip Feeling Like Yourself
Our Madison studio is close to Middleton, Verona and Fitchburg, so it's easy to fit in a session before you leave or once you're home. Book online 24/7, or call or text (608) 640-3646. Not sure what to book? Our A Better Body Signature Relaxation Massage is a great place to start. When you feel better, you DO better!
Related reads: Don't Lose Yourself in the Grind: Keep Your Body Ready to Say Yes · Why Your Neck Feels Stiff by Evening (and What Actually Helps)
