Tag Archives: benefits of sports massage

Massage Can Help Your Back Pain

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Massage is a non-invasive way to treat both acute and chronic back pain. Not only does massage relax the muscles and allow for more blood flow to the area which aids in healing, it also releases endorphins which help lessen the sensation of pain.

When back pain results from physical activity or soft tissue injury, massage will help increase blood flow to the area which will reduce muscle soreness.  Massage also reduces tension in the muscles themselves which will improve flexibility. Often a lack of flexibility will cause pain with movement. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes neuromuscular massage as an effective treatment for back pain caused by soft tissue injury.

For people with chronic back pain, the release of the chemical neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin eases anxiety along with reducing pain. This is especially helpful for people with chronic back pain who need movement to keep the muscles pliable and active.

While it might be easy to reach for a muscle relaxant if the muscles in your back are tight and causing pain, these drugs have side effects like sleepiness, dizziness or inability to focus. They’re not recommended if you need to drive, and you may find it difficult to participate in everyday activities while taking them. Neuromuscular massage offers an alternative to muscle relaxant drugs.
One added benefit of relieving back pain is better sleep. Patients with chronic back pain often report that they rest more comfortably and wake up fewer times during the night after having a massage to treat their back pain.

Massage Can Help Avoid and Relieve Athletic Injuries

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Massage is a great way to help athletes avoid injury as well as help create optimum performance during athletic events. You can incorporate massage into your regular workout regime before strenuous conditioning training just after a warm up. Massage can also help in the recovery phase of conditioning after the muscles have been pushed to their limits, while they rebuild and recover prior to the build-up phase of conditioning where the muscles adapt to new, higher demands.

Massage is especially beneficial after an injury where trigger points, or points of tension can be released allowing greater blood flow into the muscle helping with recovery. Rhythmic compression of muscle groups can soften the tissues which warms the body up to create deep blood flow within the muscle group. Friction techniques can broaden and stretch larger muscles groups and can also be used on connective tissue. Trigger point pressure can also reduce hypersensitivity, pain and muscle spasms which may prevent future injury by keeping you from favoring an injured muscle.

Massage will allow you to heal faster by improving circulation to the injured area, increase flexibility and range of motion which will help prevent the recurrence of injuries.

What Happens During a Typical Massage?

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A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.