5 reasons to add regular massage into your fitness or sports routine

 

 

Recent evidence has shown that adding regular massage into a workout routine can have a wide range of beneficial effects

 

Reason 1: Reduced Recovery Time

A massage after a physical workout improves the blood flow throughout the body. Resulting in the distribution of nutrients and the removal of lactic acid build up. This also relaxes the muscles and promotes an increase in quality of sleep which is crucial for the body to rebuild and repair damaged tissues. A good night’s sleep also prevents fatigue from setting in and shortens the recovery time between workouts.

 

Reason 2: Reduced Muscle Soreness

DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness) can be a substantial limiting factor when it comes to exercise. The soreness someone feels the next day can reduce motivation as well as performance of a work out. The body doesn’t really want to move all that much if it is in pain. Massage is a great way of helping stretching and releasing tight muscles, reducing the overall tenderness from a work out.

 

Reason 3: Increased Flexibility and Reduced Injury

Constant exercise puts a lot of strain on the muscles and tendons of the body. Untreated muscles and connective tissues that experience this constant strain result in a hypertonic or ‘tight’ muscle. A hypertonic muscle has a reduced range of movement due to it being tight. A hypertonic muscle also has an increased risk of strains and injury because the structures have become too taught and is able to spring back as easily. Massage can help to release these hypertonic muscles and may increase flexibility.

 

Reason 4: Improve your performance

Regular weekly or fortnightly massage can improve the fitness or sports performance of an individual. With a reduction in tightness or stiffness an athlete can perform at their highest level more consistently and make more effective use of training. An increase in flexibility means that a joint is able to use its full range of motion resulting in a stronger more efficient movement.

 

Reason 5: Assisted Stretching during massage can be awesome

Stretching is incredibly important for the overall health of a person but having someone else take a muscle through its flexibility range (Assisted/Passive Stretching) is going to result in a more effective and long lasting stretch. This is because the muscles of the individual being stretched are relaxed, allowing for a deeper and much more specific stretch.

If you are someone who is looking to supplement their workout routine or physically demanding schedule call 1300 189 289 and book in for a massage today at Mount Barker, Payneham or book online now.

Michael Cowles
Remedial Massage Therapist
myPhysioSA Mt. Barker & Payneham