Massage: A Complement to Fitness

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.

Reprinted with Permission
Pam Germain
http://www.body-basics.com
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