Massage Therapy: A Summer Essential

Casey Litzenberger
5 days ago
3 min read

Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, patios, lake days, road trips—and unexpected body stress. As wonderful as summer feels for the soul, it can quietly take a toll on your body. Every year, I see clients roll onto my table with sore feet, tight backs, cranky shoulders, and fatigued muscles—all thanks to the fun, busy (and sometimes exhausting) rhythm of warm weather life.

So here’s a gentle reminder: summer is not just about soaking up the sun—it’s also the perfect time to take care of your body. Massage therapy plays a bigger role in your seasonal self-care than you might realize.

1. Flip-Flops, Sandals & Bare Feet = Sneaky Summer Pains:

Sure, flip-flops & sandals feel light and breezy—but they also offer little to no arch or ankle support. Over time, this can lead to foot pain, tight calves, strained knees, and lower back discomfort. Even walking barefoot on patios or beaches can shift your posture in ways that make hips, hamstrings, and spine muscles work overtime. A massage can release this tension, reset your body’s balance, and keep those “summer feet” from causing long-term issues.

2. Summer Activity Spikes Need Recovery Too:

We wait all year for the season of biking, hiking, gardening, kayaking, swimming, golf, and even marathon yard work. But ramping up these activities—especially after a Saskatchewan winter—can lead to sore shoulders, stiff hips, tight hamstrings, and aching low backs. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to help your muscles recover faster, reduce post-activity soreness, and keep you moving comfortably all summer long.

3. Summer Stress is Real (Even If We Don’t Always Admit It):

We expect summer to be relaxing—but full calendars, road trips, family gatherings, and managing kids out of school can create hidden stress. This stress often shows up in the body as headaches, jaw tension, restless sleep, and tight shoulders. Massage therapy lowers stress hormones like cortisol, calms the nervous system, and lets your body breathe deeply and restfully—even if the rest of life feels like a whirlwind.

4. Heat Can Leave You Feeling Puffy, Sluggish & Swollen:

Hot weather can make your body feel heavy or swollen due to water retention and sluggish lymphatic flow. A massage gently encourages circulation and lymph drainage, helping reduce puffiness and improve your body’s natural detox process. (Pro tip: Drink extra water before and after your massage to help this process along!)

5. Summer’s Short—Care Now, Feel Better Later:

Those little aches and tight spots you ignore now can become bigger issues by fall. Massage therapy keeps your muscles flexible, your joints mobile, and your body aligned—so you enter the next season feeling strong, not stiff or sore. Plus, taking this time for yourself lets you slow down, recharge, and truly enjoy summer instead of rushing through it.

6. Bonus: Your Skin Will Thank You Too

Massage improves circulation, which delivers fresh, oxygen-rich blood to your skin—giving you that post-massage glow that pairs perfectly with sleeveless tops and sundresses. Keeping your body hydrated after your session boosts this effect even more.

Make Summer Your Most Comfortable Season Yet

Whether you need post-activity recovery, a break from summer stress, or simply want to treat yourself to relaxation, massage therapy is one of the best ways to stay balanced, energized, and pain-free all season long.