A Midsummer Day’s Dream: 5 Massage Benefits for Summer Wellness and Recovery

Hark, the family reunion approacheth: best prepare thy shoulders for the burden.

Summer is a time of increased activity, travel, and sunshine—but it can also bring challenges like muscle soreness, heat (and social) fatigue, and even sunburn. You might find yourself needing more than just SPF and iced coffee to feel like yourself again. Here’s how regular massage can help you stay balanced and healthy all summer long.

1. Relieving Muscle Soreness After Summer Activities

Hast thou romped through nature like a woodland sprite, only to awaken cursed by thine own calves?

Whether you're hitting the trails, playing a round of disc golf in the park, or getting overly ambitious on the pickleball court, summer activities can leave your muscles feeling sore and tight. Massage boosts blood circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles—speeding up recovery and reducing soreness so you can get back out there and show up with some birdies.

2. Supporting the Body’s Natural Detoxification Process

If thou sweateth like a weary traveler but retaineth water like a cursed sponge, considereth the ancient art of massage.

On long summer days spent outdoors—from the rail trail to mid-day markets—your body works overtime to stay cool and balanced. Massage supports the lymphatic system, which helps flush out toxins and reduce fluid retention, leaving you feeling refreshed and less bloated after a day in the sun.

3. To Massage or Not to Massage: Managing Sunburn

Dost thou wonder if one may partake in massage even when crispier than a midsummer roast?

If you’ve spent a bit too much time under the sun and ended up with a sunburn, you might wonder if massage is still an option. It’s important to be gentle with your skin. Avoid direct massage on affected areas, and instead, use cooling products like aloe vera to soothe the burn. Gentle massage on non-affected areas can still promote overall relaxation and healing. Bring me an aloe clipping, and we shall see what can be done.

4. Promoting Relaxation and Stress Relief

Love thy family… but loveth thy sanity more?

Summer often brings family gatherings, barbecues, and social events—sometimes joyful, sometimes stressful. Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. This can help you navigate the busy social season with ease and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

5. Staying Cool and Comfortable During Heat Waves

Dost thou serve plates and pints all day? Serve thyself a massage, fair mortal.

For servers working long hours on patios or laborers toiling at blazing construction sites, summer heat can be especially draining. Regular massage can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, helping you stay cool, comfortable, and energized throughout your shifts.

At IVY Integrative, you can build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!

Author: Chey Nichols

References:

1. Davis, H. L., Alabed, S., & Chico, T. J. (2020). Systematic review of the effect of massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness. Frontiers in Physiology, 11, 748. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.00748 

2. Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.002 

3. American Massage Therapy Association. (2022). Massage therapy can improve sports performance. https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/sports-massage/ 

4. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Massage: Get in touch with its many benefits. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/massage-get-in-touch-with-its-many-ben efits 

5. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Lymphatic system and fluid balance. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/

6. Body Mechanics NYC. (2022). Beat the heat: How massage therapy can help during the summer.  https://www.bodymechanicsnyc.com/beat-the-heat-how-massage-therapy-can-help-during-the-summer/

Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.