8/21/2009

Benefits

This blog is the first of 4 installments in the "Benefits of Massage" series. It will cover the obvious physiological and the not-so obvious physiological and psychological. Then the 4th blog will be a nice easy reference list.

Primarily, massage stimulates the circulatory system. You cannot see this, but it is quite obvious to me . During the massage there can be slight reddening and warming of the skin called hyperemia. What is this increased circulation doing? it is bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs and taking away more lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. Also, it aids the lymphatic system in "flushing" out the toxins and free radicals in your body.

Massage helps to prevent and relieve muscle spasms and cramps. Therefor, it is an excellent technique for pain management and prevention. Regular massage causes muscles to become firmer and more elastic, at the same time relaxed. Muscles that are fatigued from exercise or over-use will restore much quicker via massage than with passive rest. Post injury, specific techniques can reduce and help to prevent build-up of scar tissue and lesions.

So whether you have muscle pain or discomfort from chronic pain, old injury, new injury, or an amped up workout, you can greatly benefit from receiving a massage.