Did you know that July 12-18 is ‘Every Body Deserves a Massage’ Week? Every year massage therapists use this dedicated week to raise awareness of the benefits of massage. Massage can be very beneficial in conjunction with an exercise program. Let’s take a look at those benefits.

 

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It is stated by the American Massage Therapy Association that those who participate in an exercise program can benefit from massage therapy. Sports massage can be used to improve athletic performance, speed recovery, and can be utilized by all individuals who participate in any athletic and/or exercise program to help improve conditioning and maintain peak performance. There are enormous benefits to exercise and moving the body but with strenuous movement can come normal wear and tear to the body. Heavily exercised muscles may lose their capacity to relax causing tight muscles and loss of flexibility. Massage can help the body recover from strenuous exercise by helping in the following ways:

 

  • Reduce muscle tension and stiffness after exercise
  • Aid in increased range of motion
  • Improve soft tissue function
  • Support the recovery of heart rate variability and diastolic blood pressure after high-intensity exercise
  • Decrease inflammation of cells

 

In addition, massage can help with blood and lymph circulation which in turn lead to removal of waste products and better cell nutrition. All of these benefits add up to relief from soreness, better flexibility and potential for future injury.

 

Not only can massage be positive in the physical aspects of your life, it can improve overall mental wellness too. Massage can help quality of sleep and help those that suffer with anxiety and depression. Stress is a component which can negatively impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Massage therapy has been shown to be a means by which stress can be reduced significantly on physical and psychological levels.

 

During ‘Every Body Deserves a Massage’ week, take the opportunity to meet with your favorite massage therapist or ask us for a referral.

 

References:

 

  1. “Massage Therapy for those Who Exercise”. Accessed 22, June 2015. American Massage Therapy Association. https://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Therapy-for-Those-Who-Exercise.html
  2. “Injuries, Exercise and Massage. Accessed 22, June 2015. Dr. Frank Lipman. http://www.drfranklipman.com/injuries-exercise-and-massage/
  3. “Massage Can Improve Health and Wellness”. Accessed 22, June 2015. American Massage Therapy Association. https://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Can-Improve-Health-and-Wellness.html
  4. Image courtesy of marin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Brent

Brent

President, Personal Training Manager at Body By Brent LLC
Brent
Brent
Brent