How do you usually rest after a hard week? Do you go for a massage, visit a sauna, or just lie on the couch? Physiotherapist Vladimir Karasenko rated popular recovery methods on a ten-point scale. It turned out that passive lying down does not particularly help recovery. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Massage: relieves spasm, but the effect is temporary
According to the doctor, massage relieves spasm, relaxes muscles, and improves blood flow. But the effect is temporary. If you do not strengthen your muscles and change your habits, everything will return in a day or two. It is good as an aid, not as a foundation.
Sauna: heat relaxes, but not for everyone
Heat relaxes, improves blood circulation, and helps relieve tension. But not for everyone: with acute inflammation, swelling, or heart problems, it can be harmful. And a sauna by itself will not restore muscles.
Stretching: helps restore mobility
It helps restore mobility, relieve tightness, and improve blood flow. But it is important not to stretch through pain and not to do it on cold muscles. It is better after a light warm-up or at the end of the day.
Sleep: the only way the body truly recovers
According to the rehabilitation specialist, this is the only way the body truly recovers. Muscles grow, the nervous system reboots, and tissues heal. Without sleep, no procedures will give a full effect.
Walking: the best way to "speed up" lymph
The best way to "speed up" lymph, relieve stagnation, and switch the nervous system. Not sport, but gentle movement. 20–30 minutes — and the body feels different.
Lying on the couch: it seems like rest
It seems like rest. But in reality, muscles weaken, blood flow slows down, and joints stiffen. If there is no acute injury, lying down only prolongs recovery.
The doctor's recommendation
"My opinion: the best set for recovery is sleep plus a walk and stretching. Massage and sauna are a supplement, but lying all day is almost never," the doctor emphasized.
Earlier, Karasenko told what to do if your leg cramps at night and explained why the whole body sometimes twitches before sleep.
If the article causes you anxiety, discuss it with an artificial psychologist.