“I could really use a massage.” Odds are, you’ve said it! But maybe it’s time to start saying, “I could really use a good Stretch & Recovery session.” Stretch & Recovery offers great long-term benefits by improving the elasticity and health of the muscles in your body. But what about massage therapy? Does it offer the same benefits? To start, let’s look at the differences between Stretch & Recovery and massage therapy:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGES?
Regular massages have benefits beyond general well-being.
- Provide temporary relief to tension and stiffness in your muscles
- Reduce scar tissue and swelling
- Help strained or overused muscles heal quicker
- Reduce stress and anxiety, and benefit mental health

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STRETCH & RECOVERY?
Regular stretching leads to a wider range of motion and can help make movement easier. Consistent Stretch & Recovery therapy can:
- Prevent needless pain and injury
- Improve your posture & muscle imbalances and weaknesses
- Restore your body’s natural range of motion
- Improve blood circulation
- Be very relaxing and therapeutic!

WHICH IS BETTER?
Long term, Stretch & Recovery will offer more benefits than massage. Massages offer relatively temporary relief because your muscles get a temporary break up of tension. Your muscles are not stretched and lengthened in a massage the same way they are while stretching, so the tension and tightness will likely return, possibly just as bad as before. Stretching regularly will improve your flexibility over time and gradually decrease the tension, stiffness, and pain you feel in your muscles.
THE GOOD NEWS
If you love getting massages, you don’t have to stop! Just because massage does not offer the same long-term benefits as Stretch & Recovery doesn’t mean that massages are not beneficial. Massages and Stretch & Recovery therapy can work together to provide your body even more relaxation and relief. Regular stretching, daily or weekly, will help increase your flexibility and overall range of motion. In addition, getting a massage can help relax your muscles and your mind, allowing your stretching routine to be more effective.
Start Stretch & Recovery therapy with REACH and experience these benefits for yourself! Book your first Stretch & Recovery therapy session at a discounted price of $29 (Regularly $148) with us at reachstretch.com. If you’re already a member, book your next recovery session. Investing in a regular, effective stretching routine can result in long-term improvement in your flexibility and health!
Sources:
Massage Therapy or stretching, which is better (mountaintherapeutics.com)
Massage Therapy vs. Stretching | Physiotherapy | Chiropractor Oshawa (oshawawellness.com)
Why Stretching Will Replace My Massages From Here On Out (thezoereport.com)