Massage plays an important role in the healing process. Many professional athletes insert a massage programme into their regime for many reasons. It is a valuable aspect as different types of massage play a pivotal role in injury prevention, and increase the speed of recovery. Massage can also have an effect on the rate of rehabilitation following an injury.
Massage with an emphasis on recovery is predominantly aimed at those that have undergone strenuous exercise and need a contribution to the rate of recovery. Massage incorporated into any regime will have benefits on performance in the long run as massage aids in the recovery process by removing waste products that have been built up in the process of exercising and decrease the feeling of fatigue whilst calming the nervous system and increasing the efficiency of control systems.
Through exercise or unfamiliar activities being performed there may be unwanted side effects that can decrease performance and functional movements. Abnormal tightness within the muscles are a common factor which can be eradicated with the use of massage. Micro-trauma to the muscles may cause a disorganisation of the collagen fibres which form within the muscles causing a formation of scar tissue which leads to a reduction in flexibility, decrease performance and a higher risk of injury.
Benefits include:-
Massage related to an increase in healing works by combining four different effects that lead to an overall improved recovery. The four effects that are combined are biomechanical, physiological, neurological and psychological.
Biomechanical effects are due to an application of mechanical pressure from the specialist in order to decrease the build-up of collagen fibres which causes stiffness. The specialist aims to mobilise the structures that may have become tight after exercise. The biomechanical mechanisms effects are to increase the length of the tissues and actively reduce stiffness whilst increasing joint range of movement.
The physiological effects that take place through the application of massage are an increase in localised tissue temperature due to an increase in circulation to areas which may be lacking in blood flow which is contributing to a slower recovery. Through different techniques applied by the specialists, hyperaemia (increase in blood to an area) will be achieved.
The neurological benefits of massage are that it stimulates the sensory receptors which aids in the decrease of muscle tension that has built up through exercise and contributes to a slower rate of recovery and healing.
Through the application of these mechanisms a psychological effect is met which helps the individual to relax, recover from fatigue and an overall increase in performance. There is evidence to believe that through the use of massage, positive psychological effects take place despite the actual mood of the individual.
Massage can have a positive effect on the recovery for individuals participating in exercise or those that have performed unfamiliar movements and can feel the effects. Massage plays a pivotal part in the healing process so that individuals recover in a timely fashion and are fully prepared for further events.
How to book an appointment
If you would like an instant appointment then email us on office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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Who is it aimed at?
Massage with an emphasis on recovery is predominantly aimed at those that have undergone strenuous exercise and need a contribution to the rate of recovery. Massage incorporated into any regime will have benefits on performance in the long run as massage aids in the recovery process by removing waste products that have been built up in the process of exercising and decrease the feeling of fatigue whilst calming the nervous system and increasing the efficiency of control systems.
Above: Deep Tissue Shoulder Massage targetting trapezius muscleBenefits of massage to improve recovery
Through exercise or unfamiliar activities being performed there may be unwanted side effects that can decrease performance and functional movements. Abnormal tightness within the muscles are a common factor which can be eradicated with the use of massage. Micro-trauma to the muscles may cause a disorganisation of the collagen fibres which form within the muscles causing a formation of scar tissue which leads to a reduction in flexibility, decrease performance and a higher risk of injury.
Benefits include:-
- Increase in circulation
- Removes waste
- Reduce spasms
- Release of trigger points
- Breakdown adhesions
- Realign collagen fibres
- Increase range of movement
- Reduce injury
Above: Soft tissue massage of planta facia How massage works to increase healing
Massage related to an increase in healing works by combining four different effects that lead to an overall improved recovery. The four effects that are combined are biomechanical, physiological, neurological and psychological.
Biomechanical effects are due to an application of mechanical pressure from the specialist in order to decrease the build-up of collagen fibres which causes stiffness. The specialist aims to mobilise the structures that may have become tight after exercise. The biomechanical mechanisms effects are to increase the length of the tissues and actively reduce stiffness whilst increasing joint range of movement.
The physiological effects that take place through the application of massage are an increase in localised tissue temperature due to an increase in circulation to areas which may be lacking in blood flow which is contributing to a slower recovery. Through different techniques applied by the specialists, hyperaemia (increase in blood to an area) will be achieved.
The neurological benefits of massage are that it stimulates the sensory receptors which aids in the decrease of muscle tension that has built up through exercise and contributes to a slower rate of recovery and healing.
Through the application of these mechanisms a psychological effect is met which helps the individual to relax, recover from fatigue and an overall increase in performance. There is evidence to believe that through the use of massage, positive psychological effects take place despite the actual mood of the individual.
Summary
Massage can have a positive effect on the recovery for individuals participating in exercise or those that have performed unfamiliar movements and can feel the effects. Massage plays a pivotal part in the healing process so that individuals recover in a timely fashion and are fully prepared for further events.
How to book an appointment
If you would like an instant appointment then email us on office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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