How To Spend Less on Massage

Modern life has created a generation of "professional sitters" who commute, work long hours in front of a computer, then relax by slouching in front of a TV. That's one reason there's so much demand for massage. People get big knots in their shoulders and hope the pain will go away with one 60-minute session. But there's another way -- if you have to sit, use better posture. The Golden Door Spa at Las Casitas Village in Puerto Rico is teaching people how with a service called "Postural Remodeling". I got a little taste of this recently when Rita Maldonado, a personal trainer and holistic lifestyle coach, observed how I stood and moved and then gave me a few corrective exercises.

One thing she noticed right away was how I tip my head to the right when I'm listening, which causes unnecessary strain on my neck. She also pointed out how my tight pectoral muscles were pulling my arms forward and out of their sockets.

In both cases she gave me stretching and strengthening exercises. And sometimes just becoming aware of the pattern helps you change it. Rita is not a physical therapist, so the instructions she gave me came with a proviso -- they're to be used only under the direction of a licensed, qualified professional.