Holiday season travel is exciting, but longflights, road trips, and hours of sitting can take a serious toll on your backand neck. As many Melburnians prepare for Christmas and New Year getaways, itis important to prioritise your body the same way you plan your luggage. Backand neck pain are two of the most common travel-related complaints, oftentriggered by poor posture, cramped seating, and carrying heavy bags. A littlepreparation goes a long way in keeping you comfortable throughout your trip.

One of the simplest ways to prevent discomfortis by improving your travel posture. Whether you are flying interstate ordriving down the coast, aim to keep your spine supported and your shouldersrelaxed. Use a small lumbar cushion or a rolled-up jumper behind your lowerback, and avoid slouching. If you are on a long-haul flight from Melbourne,stand, stretch, and move every couple of hours to keep your joints and musclesmobile. These small adjustments help reduce stiffness, muscle strain, andlong-lasting tension.

Your pre-travel routine is just as importantas your travel posture. Professional remedial massage or osteopathic treatmentbefore your holiday can prepare your body for the journey ahead. Massagetherapy helps release tight muscles, improve circulation, and restore mobility.Osteopathy addresses structural imbalances, joint restrictions, and spinalalignment. Many clients find that starting their holiday pain free allows themto enjoy their trip more fully and avoid flare-ups triggered by long periods ofsitting.

During your trip, remember to stay active evenin small ways. Gentle stretches, short walks, and mindful breathing exercisescan reduce tension across the neck, shoulders, and lower back. If you arecarrying Christmas gifts, luggage, or beach gear, distribute weight evenly andavoid lifting awkwardly. Staying hydrated, especially important in summer, alsosupports healthy muscles and reduces fatigue. These habits help maintain yourbody’s resilience throughout your travels.

Once you return to Melbourne, a post-travelmassage or osteopathy session can help you recover from the stress of longjourneys. Many travellers experience delayed muscle tightness, headaches, andlower back discomfort after returning home. Our clinic offers tailoredtreatments that relieve tension, correct travel-related imbalances, and helpyou feel your best as you ease into the New Year. This holiday season, travelsmart, care for your body, and enjoy a pain free journey wherever you areheaded.

_9/12/2025