Massage: A Complement to Fitness
by Pam Germain
zone3
Exercise is good for people but intense exercise stresses
the tissues and causes fluid build up which makes muscles
sore. Massage is one of the oldest, most natural forms of
treatment used to heal the body and is an excellent
counterpart of exercise. Because it can be a pleasant
experience, some people use it as a way to reward themselves
for sticking to their fitness routines.
Massage comes in many forms, from a neck rub by a friend or
loved one to a recuperative massage performed by a certified
practitioner. Massage uses smooth, steady and rhythmical
pressure on the body to accomplish various goals.
If you want more than a friendly back rub, it is best to
find a qualified massage therapist. There are certain
techniques that require training and a certified massage
therapist knows what is safe and what isn't.
Massage can increase the fresh oxygenated blood supple to
the muscles and organs, and aid the drainage of venous blood,
promoting the removal of waste products from the body. By
increasing the flow of lymphatic material, waste removal is
also aided and white blood cell production is increased,
boosting one's natural immunity. Massage influences the
equilibrium in the nervous system.
There are different types of massage performed to
accomplish several things.
Slow, rhythmical massage soothes and relaxes the body and
feels wonderful. Swedish massage is the most widely performed
kind of massage. This relaxing massage has a sedative
effect on the nervous system, helps muscle tone and helps
prevent atrophy from forced inactivity due to illness. Some
people have regular massages to help prevent problems in the
soft tissue, or muscles. Swedish massage is usually employed
in the form of a full-body one hour massage while the client
is partially or fully unclothed.
Relaxing massage may be exactly what is needed for someone
who overdoes exercise and is sore, or someone who has had a
highly stressful week at work.
Shiatsu massage is based on the principle that blocked
energy is the cause of muscle pain, loss of vitality and many
illnesses. Application of pressure to vital points of the body
is the primary way it is performed.
Sports massage is popular with both professional and
amateur athletes, as well as many regular exercisers. It uses
the traditional techniques of Swedish massage but more
vigorously. Sports massages can be aimed at preventing injury
to sensitive areas and stress points of the body.
Sports massage helps stimulate athletes before an event.
Some competitive athletes are familiar with a stimulating or
excitatory massage, which uses shorter strokes than a relaxing
massage. Its purpose is to prepare muscles for exertion, and
increase blood flow and help muscles relax during rest
periods. This massage excites the nerve endings in the skin,
muscles, and blood vessels that stimulate reflex
reactions.
Massage also relieves muscle pain after a competition.
Restorative massage is the most widely known form of sports
massage. When you injure yourself, the first inclination is to
rub the injured area. Athletes use sports massage because
rubbing often treats and restores the injured part.
This massage stimulates the circulation and increases the
lymphatic flow. This eliminates waste products caused by
exercise, such as lactic acid. It also disperses the edema or
swelling that follows an injury.
Sports massage also relaxes muscle spasms. The knots people
sometimes feel in overworked muscles are spasms that occur
when fatigued muscle fibers tangle and remain contracted.
Cross fiber and deep tissue massage are also used to break up
scar tissue, knots and adhesions.
The result of this massage is often pain relief. Massage
has been used successfully in releiving inflammation due to
tendonitis.
Many amateur and professional athletes use sports massage
on a regular basis to improve physical qualities, peak
increased work capacity, and reduce fatigue. Massage also
relieves some of the stress caused by the psychological
demands of heavy training. Note the impressive benefits of
regular massage sessions:
- Prevention of muscle and tendon injuries
- Reduction of strain and discomfort of training
- Elimination of training ups and downs
- Aid in curing chronic injuries
- Aid in healing acute injuries
- Restoration of lost mobility
- Cessation of muscle spasms
When selecting a massage practitioner, you should have an
idea about what kind of massage you want. Deep tissue work and
massages for specific physical conditions should be done by a
person certified in that area. Ask people you know for
referrals, call the referred practitioners, and ask some
questions about their backgrounds, schooling, and philosophy
toward massage. When you find a massage therapist who seems
compatible with your personality, get set to treat yourself to
a wonderful physical experience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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