Written by Victoria Marr, Co-Founder of Sleek Technique
Well known as the creators of the Sleek Technique method and establishing it as the first online dance fitness business in the UK, Victoria and Flik have a wealth of expertise in the health and fitness industry. Seamlessly blending the benefits of ballet with mainstream fitness they help women across the globe achieve their fitness goals.
As a professional ballet dancer for many years, the only kind of massage I ever had was the intensely uncomfortable kind. I always danced on until some part of me shouted, ‘Hey, we’re under a lot of strain here! Can you help us out?’ Then and only then would I reluctantly get some treatment, knowing it wouldn’t be pleasant, but I would get some instant relief and be able to get back to dancing full steam.
The idea of regular preventative massage to keep my body and mind in check didn’t settle with me until years later. Since retiring from pro dancing and an intense regime of 6 hours of practice a day and 7 shows a week, I am now a fitness trainer, dance coach, and co-founder of the ballet fitness company Sleek Technique. I am also, you guessed it, a qualified masseur.
I know firsthand that it is easy to neglect our body's needs, whether you're working out intensely, sitting at a desk for hours, or juggling a stressful schedule. Rather than a luxurious treat (or, in my case, in days gone by), a painful necessity when something has already gone wrong, I encourage my clients to approach massage as maintenance, preventative, and beneficial not just for their muscles but for their whole well-being.
While we often focus on staying active and eating well, the crucial element of recovery and keeping our bodies in balance can be tapped into and vastly improved by regular massage therapy. From muscle repair to lowering cortisol levels, if you have 2 minutes, stop thinking whales sounds and pan pipes and read on to find out more about the very tangible benefits of incorporating regular massage into your wellness routine.
Accelerated muscle recovery
Whether you're a dedicated athlete or just active in your day-to-day life, your muscles are constantly working hard. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, soreness and fatigue. There are lots of different styles of massage, but almost all will:
Promote better blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to speed up recovery.
Reducing lactic acid buildup: After an intense workout, lactic acid accumulates in your muscles, causing that familiar ache. Massage helps flush out these toxins, reducing post-workout discomfort so you can work out more regularly and comfortably.
Breaking up muscle knots: Those tight, painful knots are my favourite. They're the result of overworked muscles. Massage helps to release these areas of tension so the muscle fibres lie smoothly again, restoring comfort and flexibility.
Improved flexibility and mobility
Over time, our muscles can become tight, limiting our range of motion and making everyday activities more difficult. Techniques like myofascial release and deep tissue massage are especially good for this. These methods target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, stretching and elongating muscles for:
Enhanced flexibility: Massaging tight muscle groups improves elasticity, making it easier for you to bend, stretch, and move freely.
Joint support: you should keep the muscles around your joints strong, but if they become too tight, it can cause added strain or an imbalance, which affects how the joints move. Massage contributes to joint mobility, reducing stiffness and increasing comfort during movement.
Stress and anxiety reduction
One of the most immediate benefits of massage is its incredible ability to calm the mind. When we are stressed, this manifests itself as held tension in our muscles which can lead to a stiff neck and shoulders, headaches and even sleep disturbances. Massage therapy helps to counter this by:
Lowering levels of stress hormones: There are several stress hormones that our bodies produce. Cortisol, being the one you may have heard of, is your body’s main stress hormone, and massage has been shown to decrease its levels significantly. This helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Boosting serotonin and dopamine: Massage stimulates the production of these "feel-good" chemicals, improving your mood and overall sense of well-being. It's like a natural reset for your nervous system!
Improving sleep quality: A relaxing massage before bed can help ease insomnia by lowering stress and preparing your body for a restful night’s sleep. Relaxed muscles certainly help your mind to follow.
Improved posture
Poor posture is a common issue, especially if you spend long hours sitting at a desk or looking at your phone. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances, pain, and discomfort. Massage therapy helps address these problems by:
Releasing tension in key areas: Massage can help loosen the muscles that contribute to poor posture, such as tight shoulders, neck, lower back, and glute muscles.
Balancing muscle groups: Alongside your training, regular massage helps bring balance to the body by addressing overused muscles and helping weaker areas strengthen through improved circulation and muscle relaxation.
Increasing body awareness: Sometimes, we're not even aware of the way we carry ourselves. Massage can help you reconnect with your body and highlight patterns of tension that are affecting your alignment.
Boosted immunity
Yes, you read that the right massage can even give your immune system a much-needed boost! Studies have shown that regular massages increase the body’s production of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off infections. How does this happen?
Stimulating lymphatic flow: Massage enhances the flow of lymph, a fluid that carries immune cells throughout your body, helping to remove toxins and pathogens. I was lucky enough to have a Lymphatic Drainage massage with the much sought-after specialist in this field, Laiz Pancheco. I saw and felt the decrease in inflammation and the boost to my energy and skin instantly!
Reducing stress: Since chronic stress weakens the immune system, massage’s ability to lower stress hormones naturally helps strengthen your body’s defences.
Relief from chronic pain
For those suffering from chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or lower back pain, massage can be a game-changer. By focusing on areas of discomfort and inflammation, techniques like trigger point therapy and neuromuscular massage can:
Reduce inflammation: Massage helps promote blood flow to inflamed areas, bringing oxygen and nutrients to promote healing.
Release endorphins: These natural painkillers are released during a massage, providing a sense of relief and helping you manage pain more effectively.
Break pain-tension cycles: Chronic pain often leads to tightness and restricted movement, which only increases discomfort. Massage helps relax these tight muscles, breaking the cycle and improving overall mobility.
Enhanced skin health
An added bonus of massage is its effect on your skin. The increased blood flow helps bring oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, giving you a radiant glow. In my practice, I also use oils rich in vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your skin, promote hydration, and reduce dryness.
Making massage a part of your routine
If you were a doubter like my former ballerina self, not about the muscular benefits of massage but rather the whole body benefits, then I hope I’ve encouraged you to consider introducing this fantastic form of self-care. It’s not just about feeling relaxed for an hour; it’s about long-term improvements in how your body feels, moves, and recovers.
Thinking costs? You don’t have to rely on professional massages all the time! Self-massage techniques, foam rolling, and stretching can help maintain flexibility and muscle health between sessions. At Sleek Technique, we have a whole section devoted to stretch and recovery, which even includes a lymphatic drainage workout you can practice for a quick 20 minutes of movement and flushing techniques that promote detoxification.
The next time you think of massage as simply a luxury, remember that it is also a vastly beneficial part of holistic wellness. Your muscles, joints, and even your immune system will thank you for it.
Read more from Victoria Marr
Victoria Marr, Co-Founder of Sleek Technique
After 20 years at the top of the professional dance world, Victoria and Flik brought their combined expertise in dance and fitness together and pioneered the first online dance fitness business in the UK. Laying the groundwork for many others to follow, they continue to bring creative, effective fitness to women everywhere regardless of location.
