Sports Massage

The weather has been gorgeous and people are increasing their physical activity to lose weight, increase cardiovascular endurance and get healthy. Athletes looking for that extra edge and weekend warriors looking to avoid injuries should implement massage therapy into their routines. Massage used as a preventative measure is ideal, the treatments are monthly and much less painful. Massage used to reverse soft tissue dysfunction should be done more consistently, 1-2 times a week, until the problem is fixed, approximately 3 weeks.  These treatments are honestly, painful,  but always within client tolerance. I aim for what my clients like to call, "a good pain."  It hurts during the treatment but feels so much better after. Let massage therapy take care of you.

Here are some more reasons to love massage...

Sports Massage
A comprehensive Review
A. Moraska
http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/pdf/Moraska%20(2005)%20Sports%20massage.pdf

I came across an article that featured many studies on the effects of sports massage therapy on athletes. Sports massage is different from regular massage therapy in the fact that it is done pre and post event. The massage can be done quickly and specifically to increase nerve stimulation and prepare the muscle for activation. The post-event massage is done slower and is focused on flushing fluids through the body to feed the cells and remove waste. I have gathered the supportive highlights from the article. Although only a few studies have been done, the research of massage on soft tissue dysfunction is promising.

The article can be read in whole by clicking on the link above.

• Massage and DOMS (Delayed On-set Muscle Soreness). Peak force deficits occur 24-48 hours post activity. A reduction in eccentric, concentric and isometric force is present in people with DOMS. Muscle cells after eccentric contraction indicate structural damage and discharge of cellular components
• Massage influences tissue fluid movement which may reduce the concentration of noxious chemicals and therefore decrease soreness after exercise

• Massage increases nutrient delivery and therefor increases the repair process and strength recovery. 
• 4 out of 6 studies showed soreness in muscle was lower with massage
• 3 out of 5 studies showed lower blood lactate levels following massage
• On smaller drainage veins, massage appeared to effectively increase movement of chemicals
• Punching force in boxers was not increased after massage, but the participants perceived elevated recovery and fatigue perception was reduced following 20 min massage
• Range of motion at the hip with regard to hamstring tightness was increased by 10 degrees
• Increase in fibroblast activity in massaged tendons
• Runners diagnosed with anterior compartment syndome (shin splints) of the lower leg reported significant less pain after exercise as well as greater total work done to onset of pain with 5 weeks of massage (6 30minute treatments)

In the near future there will be more and more research done in the field of massage therapy. Stay tuned for the latest information!