Heat, AC and Stiff Muscles: Massage in the UAE Summer

Key Takeaways

Why Summer Makes Us Stiff

From roughly June to September, life in Ajman moves indoors. Most people go from an air-conditioned home to an air-conditioned car to an air-conditioned workplace, and back again. A few things happen:

• Less movement. Walking anywhere becomes unappealing, so the body moves less overall.
• Cold air on tired muscles. Sitting under a strong AC vent can leave the neck and shoulders feeling tight.
• Dehydration. It is easy to drink too little when you are indoors and not obviously sweating.

Before Your Massage

1. Drink water through the day, not just before you arrive.
2. Cool down first. If you have just come in from the heat, sit in the lounge for a few minutes before the session.
3. Eat lightly. Heavy meals feel worse in the heat.
4. Tell your therapist if you have spent the day outdoors in the sun, especially if your skin feels sensitive.

Choosing a Style in Summer

• Warming, full-body styles such as Moroccan and Kerala massage feel especially good after hours under cold air-conditioning.
• Stretching in Thai massage helps when you have been moving less than usual.
• Firm work in Russian massage suits outdoor workers whose muscles are tired from physical work in the heat, but rehydrate well before and after.

After Your Massage

• Drink a glass or two of water.
• Avoid going straight into heavy outdoor activity.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable rather than very cold when you get home.

When Not to Book

If you have symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, headache or a high temperature, do not book a session. Rest somewhere cool, drink fluids and seek medical help if you do not feel better quickly.

Bodywork is not medical treatment. See our medical disclaimer.

How Much Water Do You Need in the Heat?

More than you think, and spread through the day. Outdoor workers in the UAE summer can lose a great deal of fluid through sweat. Thirst is a late signal, so drink small amounts often rather than a large bottle at the end of a shift. Pale yellow urine is a simple sign you are drinking enough. Dark urine, headaches and cramps suggest you are not.

Does Strong AC Really Make Muscles Stiff?

A cold draught on one area for hours can leave it tight and achy. Many people sleep with the AC blowing straight onto the neck or shoulders, then sit in an air-conditioned car and office all day. Point vents away from your body, keep a light layer at work and step outside for a few minutes of warmth and movement when you can.

What Should Outdoor Workers Know About the Midday Break?

The UAE's summer midday break protects outdoor workers from the hottest hours. Use part of it to rest in the shade, drink water and eat, not to push through. If you finish a summer shift with heavy legs and a tired back, an evening session is a good way to recover, once you have cooled down and had a drink.

How Can You Tell Tiredness From Heat Illness?

Heat illness comes with symptoms that ordinary tiredness does not. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, a racing heart, very hot skin or no longer sweating are warning signs. Move somewhere cool, drink water and get medical help if they do not pass quickly. Never come in with these symptoms.

Related Pages

• More practical guides
• How to choose a massage style
• Services and prices