With winter weather, comes winter driving, and with winter driving, comes traffic jams and longer hours in the car, especially in the Lower Mainland. Although many of us are used to spending anywhere between 15-45 minutes commuting to and from appointments, work, or errands, winter weather can easily double those time frames due to vehicle accidents, unpredictable weather, or emergency construction. Sitting for hours in traffic not only is tedious and uncomfortable, it can cause aches and pains that can affect other aspects of our lives.
The Impacts of Prolonged Driving
For those of us who already spend long hours driving, such as bus drivers, uber drivers, or delivery drivers, we may already be familiar with the physical consequences of spending long hours at the wheel. Some of the most common aches and pains associated with driving are from the waist down; lower back pain, leg spasms, and calf cramps. Winter weather and winter driving can exacerbate those symptoms, causing chronic lower back and leg pain. For the rest of the community, longer accumulated hours behind the wheel can initiate the beginning of these symptoms. In addition, riding along bumpy roads or highways for long periods of time can cause lower back and leg muscles to tire more easily, due to the vibrations caused by the car or truck. This can cause the lower back and legs to become more vulnerable to injuries outside the vehicle.
Although winter weather and increased driving times can cause an increase in lower back and leg discomfort, this isn’t something you need to live with throughout the season.
Registered Massage Therapy
Seeking out a Registered Massage Therapy treatment is a relaxing and effective way to address the aches and pains associated with prolonged driving. A registered massage therapist is an educated and skilled professional who is able to pinpoint the overused and aggravated muscles, provide relief through trigger point release and myofascial techniques, and allow the muscles to stretch and rest. Although an RMT treatment for these types of conditions can cause some general soreness and sensitivity in the affected areas, releasing any cramped or spasming muscles can provide long-term relief.
While a massage treatment can provide relief from lower back pain, leg cramps or general discomfort in the lower body, it is not a long-term solution to help with these issues. An RMT will also provide hands-on education, which can be customized to your unique needs. Your practitioner will provide a number of useful stretches and gentle exercises for you to complete between sessions, in order to maximize the results of the treatments. These stretches and exercises can be completed regularly on your own, so that you can maximize the relief that an RMT treatment can provide.
If you live in or around Richmond, BC, and are looking for relief from the aches and pains associated with prolonged driving, consider coming to Evolve Therapeutic. At our clinic, we have a team of Registered Massage Therapists who are ready to help you tackle those winter driving woes. From minor cramps to chronic back and leg pains, our practitioners are here to help. Book an appointment today to find relief from your driving-related aches and pains.
