Massage Therapy - The Numerous Benefits of Massage for the Sportive Enthusiast
Therapeutic massage has been practiced across many cultures for hundreds of years. Although the exact mechanisms involved are not fully identified, massage has been proven to bring various health benefits. Massage therapy can be accomplished using light or heat on certain locations. The intent behind massage is to ease discomfort, help in the healing process, stimulate tissues and increase the range of motion. Massage can also help lower anxiety and stress.
Massage proponents generally state that natural clinical changes occur as proven by the fluctuation in temperature of the skin along with increased blood flow and the appearance of hyperemia and following massage. Initial clinical research using venous catheters and dye-filled venography-X-rays to cleanse the capillaries revealed that massage could affect capillary permeability. Recent Doppler ultrasound research has shown that massage may profoundly affect local muscle contractions that control chronic pain in the back, arms, legs and shoulders. Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and arthritis can all be treated through massage. Some studies have suggested that massage could be used to combat Alzheimer's Disease. Massage has been proven to be beneficial for stroke, Parkinson's Disease and other conditions such as head injuries , accidents and head injuries.
Massage therapy is based on the following essential components: gentle heating, gentle compression along with gentle stretching, rhythmic compression, gentle warming, soothing facial expressions and manipulation of joint tissues, and restoring balance to the body. Therapists using their hands (fingers and thumbs, forearms, etc.) to apply pressure to various areas of the body. Sometimes, they use Click to find out more vibrating devices (vibration massage chairs, massage machines) to treat specific problems.
During a massage session, the massage therapist works with their hands to create extremely tight, kneading movements which cause minor discomfort for the person receiving. They may also apply, periodic and rhythmic mechanical pressure, which provides relief for the person receiving. To ease muscle tension massage therapists employed in commercial settings might mix massage strokes and massages for athletes. Because of the positive effects of massage therapy to athletes, it is often utilized after sports events to ease the pain and improve blood flow to the muscles.
One form of massage therapy is known as herniotherapy. In herniotherapy, massage therapists work on the superficial layers of muscles and connective tissues. This can help reduce swelling, stiffness, inflammation and also increase circulation to the. Herniotherapy massage strokes are extremely gentle and do not involve any type of friction or suction. Some therapists add some manual resistance to their sessions , to offer more of a stretch.
A different therapeutic method that could be employed during high intensity training is the use of massage techniques to rid lactate accumulations out of muscles. High intensity training can cause muscular fatigue for athletes. Lactate is created when lactic acid is broken down through anaerobic metabolism. As a result of the increase in lactic acid levels, the athlete experiences cramps and spasms that can restrict their range of motion.
A second technique that is useful for athletes who are recuperating from injuries is biomechanical stimulation massage. This treatment triggers the release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers that enter the spinal cord and brain. This could be due to the increased flow of blood and synovial fluid into the brain. Massage using biomechanical techniques has been found to provide immediate relief from pain and decrease the amount of soreness experienced by athletes following an intense workout.
Another treatment that may be used together with massage is chiropractic adjustments for therapeutic purposes. When chiropractic adjustments are made that are performed, an adjustment to an individual joint is performed. This motion of the joint aids in realigning bones as well as soft tissue in the spine. Synovial fluid may build up over time in the joints, which can cause pain and pains. By realigning these joints you can greatly reduce the aches and pains you experience , and lead more pain-free, healthier life.