You’ve probably heard the term Fitness Massage before, but what does it mean? Does Massage, an activity that has become essentially synonymous with relaxation and pampering, really have something to offer athletes and fitness enthusiasts?
The answer is yes. Massage can have many benefits for fitness enthusiasts, including relief from muscle soreness and cramping, improvement in circulation, and even aid in injury prevention.
Massage therapy can do so much more than relax you and relieve stress; it can also help boost your fitness goals by reducing pain and recovering after a workout or activity. With that in mind, here are some of the ways Massage can boost your fitness journey and make sure you find the right massage therapist to help you achieve your fitness goals!
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of Massage, give you some pointers on choosing the right kind of Massage, and explore the best message-related benefits and the precautions you’ll have to take.
Impact of Massage on health
Using Massage for recovery is not just about relaxation and pain relief. It can help reduce inflammation and alleviate soreness after training or competing for athletes. A massage session also helps loosen tight muscles and improves flexibility, which can enhance athletic performance and help prevent injuries down the road.
And research suggests that regular massages may improve circulation, lower blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, boost energy levels and even ease symptoms of depression. While more research is needed to determine precisely how Massage benefits, health, one thing’s for sure: Getting a massage at least once a month will make you feel better!
Benefits of Massage for short term & long-term relief
Receive Massage for relaxing and rejuvenating purposes, plus many more benefits. There are many reasons why you may want to receive a Massage. If you haven’t considered it before, now is a great time to learn about its health benefits. When you choose to get a massage regularly, you can enjoy immediate relief from stress or muscle pain. It also offers many long-term health benefits to keep your body healthy over time. Here are some of them:
Massage helps in recovery
Massage is not just a way to help you relax and de-stress; it can also help you recover more quickly from intense workouts. Research suggests that getting massage therapy may be right for you if you’re looking for safe ways to ease back into exercise. Plus, if you have an injury or chronic pain, Massage might even be part of your treatment plan. Just make sure to talk with your doctor before trying Massage as part of any medical treatment plan—and consider booking massages regularly (at least once per month) as part of a healthy routine.
Massage helps with stress
Massage is increasingly being used as a means of stress relief, but when combined with exercise can also help with recovery. A recent study found that Massage combined with exercise boosts hormone levels and tissue growth factors.
In addition, Massage for healing may assist with lowering cortisol levels after exercise. Your body releases cortisol in response to pain or stress, and high levels of it can lower immunity and negatively affect tissue regeneration. Massage for relaxation does not typically affect cortisol, so combining Massage with exercise helps you get all its benefits without any adverse side effects.
Massage increases blood flow, helping you feel more energetic
Blood flow is vital for energy production in our bodies, so it’s no surprise that massages often leave people feeling more energetic. Massage causes vasodilation, or widening blood vessels, increasing blood flow to muscles and organs.
As a result, cells can absorb more oxygen and glucose. Increasing muscle oxygenation results in greater endurance, meaning you can push harder at workouts and recover faster from injuries.
Massage improves flexibility, helping you stay active for longer periods
For athletes and other physically active people. We need flexibility and endurance, too. Massage is a great way to improve flexibility, which helps keep muscles loose for longer periods—which in turn reduces wear and tear, improves athletic performance, and allows you to remain active for longer.
Types of Massage
Massage relaxes our muscles and helps get rid of soreness, but it can also lower our blood pressure, improve circulation, and boost immunity. Practicing Massage on others is also an act of love that brings happiness to both parties. Therefore, consider giving someone you love a massage! Here are some ideas for how you can incorporate self-massage into your routine.
1). Swedish massage:
The therapist begins by placing warmed oil on specific body areas. He or she will then use firm pressure and long, sweeping strokes for about 10 to 15 minutes on each area.
2). Deep tissue massage:
The purpose of deep tissue is to release chronic muscle tension that has become stuck in restricted areas of your body, as well as break up adhesions that are formed from repetitive motion, injury, or physical trauma.
3). Hot stone massage:
The therapist uses smooth, heated stones in various areas of your body. The warmth from these stones helps loosen tight muscles and increase circulation.
4). Pre-natal massage:
This type of Massage is used specifically during pregnancy and focuses on areas that may become restricted as you grow. It helps provide support and comfort and alleviate tension caused by increased weight and fluid retention during pregnancy.
Related: How effective is body massage after delivery?
5). Aromatherapy massage:
The therapist uses essential oils with gentle strokes and kneading. The goal is to provide relaxation and stress relief and improve circulation.
6). Sports massage:
The therapist focuses on areas of tightness and pain, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This type of Massage is particularly helpful for athletes who need help recovering from injuries or those looking to improve their performance.
The type of Massage you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including which areas of your body you need to be addressed, whether or not you have pain in any particular area and what sort of treatment plan you are following.
Related: Which type of massage is good for you?
Massage contraindications - When is massage unsafe?
If you’re injured, know that pain relief might take some time to kick in, especially if you don’t do much for yourself and keep re-injuring it. If you have any broken bones or are experiencing extreme pain from an injury—especially if it involves swelling or internal bleeding—make sure to avoid Massage. Massage can increase blood flow and circulation, which could aggravate these injuries. And while most people think of Massage as being entirely safe, there are some contraindications. The following conditions should be avoided:
1). Massage is contraindicated for patients with acute injuries or infections, especially if they are inflamed.
2). Massage is contraindicated for patients with skin conditions that a physician has not evaluated.
3). Massage is contraindicated for patients who have cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or take drugs that may affect their heart rate and rhythm.
4). Massage is contraindicated for patients with recent surgeries, especially if they involve an incision that has been manipulated of tissues.
5). Massage is contraindicated for patients with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia because it can increase blood flow and bleeding.
6). Massage must be monitored and supervised by an expert during pregnancy because it can cause uterine contractions.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that physical exercise and good nutrition are essential for weight loss. But if you’re looking for additional ways to shed those pounds or simply feel better about yourself, consider adding massage therapy. It may be time for you (and your body) to get one of these treatments. You just might discover a happier, healthier version of yourself in return.