Benefits of massage for older adults
Massage therapy is a wonderful way to relieve stress and muscle tension but it also helps with certain physical issues which happen as our bodies age.
Our joints naturally become stiffer over time and our muscles lose strength which can cause discomfort during activity. Alongside stress, fatigue or other chronic health conditions associated with aging, this can make it difficult to keep up with the physical activities we previously enjoyed.
Staying physically active and exercising regularly is absolutely vital to keep our joints well nourished, maintain flexibility and balance, improve sleep quality and maintain independence. However, this is easier said than done if your joints ache or feel stiff and uncomfortable and as an experienced clinical massage therapist, this is where I can help!
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
You can’t massage strength back into your body but releasing muscle tension, relieving pain, increasing joint mobility and getting a better night's sleep can make a world of difference to how you feel in your body. Feeling better and moving more comfortably makes it more likely that you’ll want to resume physical activities which help with strength and mobility like walking your dog or attending an exercise class.
Over the age of 50 and beyond, we also tend to recover slower from injury or surgery. So remedial massage can be a useful tool to enhance your recovery. Not only does it reduce pain and swelling but it supports the natural healing process through better circulation. Additionally, some massage therapists have additional training in scar tissue therapy and techniques to improve the healing and appearance of scars and to reduce adhesions and to improve scar mobility.
Getting the most out of your massage
Please don’t worry if you have problems lying on your front, feel uncomfortable remaining in any position for a long time or worry about being able to get on and off our treatment bed. We have a special massage seat if you prefer to be massaged while sitting. You can also be massaged on your side and we have an electric heated pad which can be turned on during your massage to relieve joint pain.
It’s also important to communicate with your therapist about the level of pressure you like throughout your treatment. There’s absolutely no evidence that massage has to hurt to be helpful and lighter pressures can be more helpful for some conditions. So speak up, drink plenty of water and take a hot shower after your massage to get the most out of it.
Once you’re moving more comfortably from your massage, I always recommend other activities like weight training or Pilates to improve muscle mass, maintain bone density, improve joint mobility and flexibility.
The benefits of massage are best understood by firsthand experience. So please give us a call if you would like to talk in more detail about how massage could be used to help you specifically.
This blog was written by Fran Ammann. Fran is an experienced Remedial Therapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor who works with adults of all ages. She enjoys the combination of using hands on techniques to relieve pain and Pilates to improve movement and build strength.
4 myths about massage
From exaggerated claims about the benefits to misunderstandings about the actual effects, massage is surrounded by myths and misconceptions.
So today I’m going to try to separate fact from fiction, to give you a clearer understanding of the real benefits and potential of massage therapy and how it can be used effectively to enhance your wellbeing.
1. Massage is only for pampering
Yes, it’s true that a skillful and customised massage can be blissful. That calm, relaxed and euphoric state achieved after a great massage could be seen as a treat but in the right hands, there’s much more science behind this type of physical therapy than just relaxation.
You probably already know that massage is an effective way to manually manipulate tight muscles to help them relax but did you know that some massage techniques are applied to directly calm your nervous system? A calm nervous system lowers your body’s stress response and pain sensitivity, like turning down the dimmer switch on a light. Less pain means that protective muscle spasm can relax naturally, and you will be able to move more easily afterwards.
Massage techniques reduce the release of stress hormones and increase the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin. These are the body’s natural pain killers. They’re both linked with lower levels of depression and anxiety and have a calming effect which helps to reduce both your blood pressure and your heart rate.
Massage also increases circulation which helps to improve the flow of nutrients and repair substances to muscles to help them recover after injury. Increased blood and lymph flow also helps the body remove waste products - produced when part of your body is inflamed - to support detoxification in the kidneys and liver which helps with healing.
So, although we do want you to float out of the door feeling amazing, massage shouldn’t just be viewed as a luxury. There are lots of great reasons why you might consider it an investment in your long term physical and mental well-being.
2. No pain – no gain, massage should hurt to be effective
Honestly, there is no conclusive evidence that massage must hurt to be helpful and I’ve written about this before. Everyone is different and will respond to a massage differently.
Many of our patients have great results with lighter pressure and some prefer deeper techniques, it really is a preference, but it should never so painful that you are clenching your teeth to get through a particular area.
It’s also important that the therapist checks in with you regularly about pressure and the way you are feeling and that you speak up if you don’t like the way something feels. There are many ways to work with your tissue, so that you can experience the benefits of massage therapy without being in pain.
3. Massage gets rid of toxins
It’s a common myth that a massage ‘flushes toxins and waste products from your body’ but that’s not exactly accurate. While massage does increase blood flow and lymph circulation, it’s primarily the liver and kidney that are responsible for the detoxification. So, while increased circulation does support the process a little bit, detoxification is a complex function which is mainly handled by other systems in your body.
4. Massage during pregnancy can cause harm
Recent studies showed that massage during pregnancy isn’t harmful at all and may provide significant relief to some of the common discomfort caused due to pregnancy.
There are so many recognised benefits to prenatal massage:
- Reduced anxiety and decreased symptoms of depression
- Relief of muscle aches and joint pains
- Improved labour outcomes and newborn health
- Better mood balance
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced joint and limb swelling
However, there are some precautions that needs to be considered during the last two trimesters, therefore it’s important to have a massage therapist that is trained to work specifically with antenatal patients and knows how to adapt and take care of patients’ special needs during pregnancy.
Whether you are seeking relief from muscular pain, a recent injury, feeling stiff and immobile, you have sore muscles after a strenuous workout or you’re simply in search of a moment of peace to reduce stress, massage has so many benefits, both mentally and physically.
Be curious and ask your therapist questions to get the best out of your massage session. And get in touch if you’d like me to answer anything else!
This blog was written by Fran Ammann, a senior staff member at our clinic and an experienced remedial and pregnancy massage therapist. Fran sees patients of all ages and backgrounds here and she loves using clinical massage for pain relief and relaxation. She’s also a Clinical Pilates Instructor, so she might persuade you to try a session or two of Pilates, so you don’t have to see her for a massage as often!
What’s the best type of massage to relieve neck pain?
Neck and back pain are common amongst all age groups and occupations, but if you spend long periods in front of computers or complete repetitive sedentary tasks then you may be more likely to experience pain in these areas.
This isn’t necessarily the result of having ‘bad posture’, but rather because of holding your neck in the same position for a prolonged time, without giving your muscles and joints a break.
Although most neck pain isn’t serious, it can feel particularly grim because your neck is involved in so many daily movements, from turning your head to listen to someone to looking down to eat. It can affect sleep, drain your energy and disrupt your concentration at work, so it’s not surprising that you might be looking for a solution, and fast.
So, if you’ve woken up with a stiff, sore neck and you’re wondering whether a targeted massage would help relieve pain, here’s why it might be recommended for you.
What are the benefits of having a massage for neck pain?
In the short-term having a neck and upper back massage will:
- Relax tight, overworked muscles and the surrounding tissues
- Promote better circulation
- Calm your nervous system circulation
- Improves flexibility and neck mobility
What type of neck pain responds well to massage?
Massage is particularly effective if you have muscular pain, tension or strain. If your neck pain has been triggered by poor posture, stress or muscle spasm then massage is really likely to be helpful.
If you have injured your neck because of an accident of some kind, you have radiating arm pain, numbness or tingling in one arm, or you have a headache associated with your neck pain or other symptoms like a fever or chills then it’s important to seek medical advice first.
Are there any exercises which will help in between massages?
A combination of hands-on treatment to relieve the short-term symptoms and exercises (or advice) addressing the underlying causes of the neck pain will definitely give you better results and a better outcome for the longer term.
Try this simple 10-minute programme in between your appointments:
As part of your long-term strategy to prevent future episodes, you might decide to invest in a regular massage. Many of our patients find this beneficial but it’s most effective when combined a consistent exercise routine, postural awareness and stress management. So, it’s important to view massage as part of a comprehensive plan, rather than the magic bullet.
Get in touch if you have any questions at all and if you live in Cambridge and would like to book a massage, then don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 914140.
Blog post written by: Fran Ammann. Fran is a highly experienced Remedial Massage Therapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor. She has treated hundreds of patients with neck pain and loves to teach them ways to strengthen and move better, so they don’t have to see her as often.
Is massage the best way to help relieve shoulder pain?
If you’re wondering whether a good massage might help relieve your shoulder pain, then you’re in good company. Along with back pain, two of the most common reasons our patients enquire about massage are to relieve their shoulder and neck pain.
What are the common causes of pain and tension around the shoulder?
If you haven’t experienced a specific injury to your neck or shoulder, then a frequent cause of shoulder pain is due to muscular fatigue and localised points of tension from repetitive movements or long periods of inactivity sitting at a desk or driving. This is a really common complaint and the symptoms can creep up on you overtime, until suddenly you can find yourself restricting your movements or moving your arm differently to avoid triggering pain.
Our shoulders are also a place where many of us carry our emotional stress. During times of prolonged stress - at home or in the workplace - muscle tension can build up around the shoulder blades causing pain, restriction and sometimes headache.
Is massage good for shoulder pain what are the benefits?
Massage is a fantastic way to relieve shoulder pain, so along with gentle exercise and stretches, I highly recommend finding the best massage therapist near you to discuss an appointment.
Massage techniques like deep tissue, trigger point therapy or myofascial release all help to improve blood flow, interrupt and supress pain signals to relieve pain, improve soft tissue elasticity and reduce muscle tension, reduce inflammation, reduce stress and promote healing. Afterwards your muscles will feel looser and more relaxed, posture often improves and you should feel like you can move more freely without restriction or stiffness.
Stress also affects both your body and your mind and muscle tension – often around the shoulders – is one of the most common physical signs. Massage around your shoulders reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol and boosts production of serotonin (the ‘feel-good’ hormone), so it will help your body to manage stress and loosen those muscles where we often carry tension.
What types of massage are the best for shoulder pain?
Our massage therapist will assess you careful and often combine a variety of remedial techniques to tackle upper back, shoulder and neck pain including deep tissue, trigger point therapy, acupuncture, skin rolling, frictions and sports massage.
Muscle pain, tension or tightness around the shoulders, upper back and neck are the main reason our patients generally request shoulder massage but there are many other painful shoulder conditions that will all benefit from massage. Frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injury all lead to muscular pain around the shoulder which can be improved by massage treatment.
Are there any good stretches or exercises which will be helpful to relieve pain between massage appointments?
We often recommend simple strategies, stretches or exercises to complete between your appointments at our massage clinic in Cambridge.
There’s often be a close link between shoulder pain and upper back stiffness. So a programme to keep your upper back moving well might be recommended to work on between your treatments. If you sit a lot at work then some simple stretches you can complete at your desk might also be helpful.
If you have shoulder impingement the ‘press and hold’ muscle exercises – these are often called isometrics – might be suggested.
Pendulum exercises are useful for all types of shoulder pain but most frequently for frozen shoulder.
Does a massage have to hurt to be helpful?
Everyone is different when it comes to the question ‘what makes a good massage’. Some of our patients experience real benefit from lighter massage techniques like lymphatic drainage and others might only feel like their massage has effective they have been thoroughly pummelled. But does a massage really have to hurt to be helpful and is it normal to be sore after a massage?
Post treatment soreness after a massage
Mild post treatment soreness is fairly common side effect after massage, and you’ll often be advised beforehand that this is one of the potential side effects.
Post massage soreness has nothing to do ‘toxins being released’ however. During the massage the therapist is manipulating the muscles and placing some stress on the muscle fibres can lead to the small, temporary rise in inflammation which causes the post treatment soreness and stiffness.
It’s thought that the soreness is similar in nature to the muscular soreness you might experience after exercising (delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS), although it usually resolves more quickly than DOMS and you should expect soreness to settle and to feel the benefits of the massage within 24-48 hours.
The degree of soreness can vary from one person to the next. To manage it we recommend staying gentle active and using heat to relieve symptoms if needed. A hot shower is perfect.
What types of massage are most likely to cause post muscle soreness?
Each style of massage uses a variety of techniques so there may be periods in any massage that are uncomfortable.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage are most often thought of as more painful massage styles, but this is not always the case, and the level of discomfort depends not only on the amount of pressure being applied but also whether or area being treated is tense or in spasm.
Does a massage have to hurt to be helpful
There is no conclusive evidence that a massage must be painful to help. People seek massage for a variety of reasons, and everyone responds to massage in their own way and has different pressure tolerances.
People do have positive results from massage with lighter pressure and if you are having massage as part of a treatment plan for a pain, then lighter pressures might actually be more effective.
How do you know if a massage is too hard and when to speak up
It is important to communicate with your therapist throughout your treatment. Whether you are having a massage as part of rehabilitation program or just for maintenance, everyone processes the pressure from massage differently and it is important to tell your therapist how it feels for you.
If at any point during treatment you do not like the way something feels, then that is the time to speak up, so that a different approach can be used and if you experience post massage soreness for longer than the expected 48hrs let your therapist know at the beginning of the following session, so they can make adjustments to their plan.
How to manage post massage soreness
Hydration is a key part of post massage care. Heat therapy can also provide comfort during this time. Moving your body in a gentle way and some stretching can help with soreness post massage. Heavy lifting or heavy weights is cautioned in the first 24-48 hours post massage.
Our therapists will work with you sensitively, individually and effectively to ensure you get the best possible outcome from your massage. So, if you think we might be able to help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Blog written by: Franziska Ammann, Remedial Massage Therapist & Clinical Pilates Instructor
Can a massage therapist help relieve hip pain?
Can a massage therapist help relieve hip pain?
If you’re struggling with hip pain, then every step can be a challenge and it might seem as if surgery is the only option. Thankfully, targeted remedial massage can be an extremely effective way to relieve pain and combined with some gentle exercises to build hip strength and increase hip mobility offers a way to restore your quality of life.
What are the common causes of pain around the hip?
The most common causes of pain around your hip are:
1. Pain from articular surfaces of the ball and socket hip joint itself.
2. Soft tissue pain from the muscles, tendons, ligaments or bursae around the ball and socket joint.
3. Referred pain coming from a lower back issue.
How can you tell the difference between soft tissue pain, hip joint pain and lower back pain?
The location of your pain and your general symptoms can give us a clue about the cause.
Pain from the tendons, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues around your hip joint are most often experienced the outside of the hip, upper thigh or outer buttock. The symptoms caused by these conditions are often more diffuse, achy and might be experienced when you lie on your side at night or cross your legs. Sometimes we carry muscle tension in our hips the same way we can in our shoulders, which accumulates over time to become painful.
Whereas pain coming from the articular surfaces of the ball and socket joint itself tend to result in deep hip and/ or groin pain which comes on gradually over time and feels worse during activities when you are on your feet (weight bearing).
Lower back conditions often cause pain in the buttocks and back of the thigh which might extend past the knee joint into the calf and you might also experience some pins and needles or numbness in one foot. If your symptoms are worse when you cough, sneeze or strain, then your back is the most likely culprit.
Whatever the underlying cause of the pain, it’s also really common to experience protective muscle tension or spasm around the hip, thighs and lower back which is why finding the best massage therapist near you and booking in for a treatment can really help.
How does massage help to treat hip pain and stiffness?
Deep tissue massage helps to improve blood flow to the painful area to relieve muscle tension and pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, reduce swelling, improve tissue flexibility and help you to move without restriction or stiffness.
What types of hip pain can be helped with massage?
Conditions like arthritis, gluteal tendinopathy, piriformis syndrome, muscle strains or referred pain from the lower back (sciatica) will all benefit from massage alongside an exercise program.
In addition, massage around the hip flexors and gluteal muscles will also help anyone looking to gain more mobility at the hip.
What types of massage techniques are helpful for hip pain?
Traditionally a deep tissue massage is the most common style of massage used in this area due to the depth of some of the structures. However, at our massage studio in Cambridge our massage therapists combine several techniques when treating pain around the hips.
You might be recommended a combination of deep tissue techniques, trigger point therapy,myofascial release or even dry needling (acupuncture) if the sore spots are very deep.
This is all based on a careful screening, assessment and feedback from you during the massage about the pressure you like and the areas which feel like they need extra attention.
Self-care massage - a few tips and tricks to relieve your own hip pain
A spikey massage ball is a great investment for some hip pain relief at home between treatments. They can be used in standing, sitting or lying depending on the space you have available and are often easy to travel with as well making them ideal. However, not all spikey balls are made equal in my opinion (and I’ve tried out many of them) so these are the spiked massage balls we use here at my clinic in Cambridge.
If you don’t like the deeper pressure from the spikey massage ball then but you have access to a massage gun then this kind of soft tissue stimulation can also be extremely effective.
But don’t forget the basics because they really will make a difference too … get up and move around frequently during the day, use heat and stretch out your back, hips and legs.
Is it okay to get a massage while pregnant?
Life moves fast and there’s a lot of things to think about when you’re pregnant, so it’s understandable that you might not think about yourself, until you start to notice some aches and pains. Suddenly you’re thinking about a prenatal massage, but you don’t where to go in Cambridge or what to ask the clinic to ensure you are seeing the right therapist.
A little knowledge can go a long way and asking the right questions before booking means that you are more likely to choose a therapist with the right specialist antenatal knowledge and experience you are seeking.
At our clinic in Cambridge, these are four great questions that we would expect to answer at the point of booking to reassure you that the safety and comfort of you and your baby are our top priority …
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
If you are healthy and have an uncomplicated pregnancy, then you can safely receive maternity massage after the first trimester right up until you give birth.
Are your therapists qualified and what extra training have they completed in pregnancy massage?
Any therapist offering pregnancy massage should well qualified and experienced in their field and have undergone additional training to care for women during this stage of life. A knowledge of the way the body changes during pregnancy, adapted techniques, alternative supportive positioning and specific conditions affecting mothers-to-be like pelvic girdle pain is vital.
All our therapists offering this service at our Cambridge clinic have extensive experience and additional specialist training. Both Shelly and Charlie will deliver an hour long, soothing and relaxing hands-on treatment tailored to your individual concerns.
How will I be positioned during the massage?
Some clinics offer a special table or belly pillow so you can lie on your front but for many women this doesn’t offer enough support for the baby and can put strain on the uterine ligaments. We recommend being massaged in side lying with lots of bolsters, pillows and cushions to support your hips, back, belly and spinal joints.
Does massage help when you have pelvic girdle pain?
Massage can help to alleviate painful muscular points around your pelvis, specifically your buttock, waist and lower back muscles. It’s wise to make your massage therapist aware that you have PGP because they might suggest additional support around your hips when positioning you comfortably for your treatment.
Asking lots of questions like these means you can be sure that you and your baby are in safe hands during your appointments, so you can settle in confidently for some deep relaxation and space to quietly bond with your baby before birth.
What is a Sports massage? (and other frequently asked questions)
What is a sports massage?
Sports massage is often used within sporting environments for competing athletes as part of a warmup or to keep players warm during breaks in activity. ‘Event’ massage like this helps to get the blood flowing and the muscles primed for activity, so you can deliver your best performance. Post event, a great sports massage will help to flush out toxins, reduce swelling and ease tension reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
Whatever your sport, finding the best sports massage therapist near you and getting a regular ‘maintenance’ sports massage will be a great addition to your training programme. This type of treatment will not only boost your recovery time between training sessions, it will also keep your muscles in great condition to help to prevent injuries.
If you do experience a sports injury though, ‘rehabilitative’ sports massage techniques can be applied to treat injuries affecting your muscles, tendons or ligaments. Early treatment can help reduce swelling, relieve pain and prevent scar tissue from sticking to the surrounding structures which can cause restricted movement.
What are the benefits of a sports massage?
It’s a great question. The techniques used during a sports massage vary depending on the circumstance – pre or post event, regular maintenance or for injury rehabilitation – however the main benefits are to improve blood flow, reduce stress and improve focus, reduce swelling, improve tissue flexibility and prime muscles for activity.
What conditions does sports massage help with?
It’s not just for Usain Bolt. Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to exercise and want to relieve sore muscles, anyone can benefit from sports massage. It’s ideal for muscular pain, joint inflammation, lower back pain, muscle tension, trigger points, repetitive strain, sciatica … the list goes on!
What to expect during a sports massage?
If it’s your first getting a sports massage at our clinic in Cambridge, then you can expect us to complete a quick health screen first to get an understanding of your medical history, why you would like treatment and which areas might need some extra attention. We might ask you to complete a few movements depending on the issue and then we’ll leave the room while you undress and lie down under a cover on one of our treatment beds.
Our sports massage therapists will use a mixture of techniques (effleurage, petrissage and deep tissue techniques), so sometimes it will feel quick and light and at other times the pressure will feel deeper. It should be a collaborative treatment between you and the therapist to make sure it is within your comfort levels and meets your goals and expectations.
Is it painful to get a sports massage?
Sports massage does sometimes have a reputation for being painful but - as with any massage – your therapist should adjust the pressure based on your comfort and feedback. There might not be as much of a focus on ‘relaxation’ as there is with a remedial massage and if you have sore spots then you might experience discomfort at times during a sports massage but you should not feel like you have to grit your teeth to get through it.
What is the difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage?
A traditional sports massage is generally quicker in the tempo of the massage stroke and therefore will not always feel as deep. Due to the different techniques used this can change throughout the treatment whereas deep tissue is consistently slow and deep.
Because this treatment is used to help with preparation or recovery it is more likely that this treatment would focus on one or a few areas rather than the whole body.
Frequently asked questions about Deep Tissue Massage
What is a Deep Tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage isn’t just a massage with stronger pressure. Deep tissue treatments should combine a number of massage techniques to sink and glide through the soft tissue layers, building towards those deeper pressure during the course of treatment. Using this approach, your deep tissue appointment gets to that satisfying depth and pressure which targets the deeper muscular layers, releasing tension and tightness in both muscles and connective tissue, without significant pain.
What are the benefits of a Deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage targets tissue that lies below the superficial layers of the body. Deep tissue massage works by breaking down adhesions and tightness in the deeper layers to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
What conditions does deep tissue massage help with?
A deep tissue massage is a good option if you are recovering from an injury or for those with a clinical problem like chronic pain, muscle tightness and stiffness or scar tissue.Fibromyalgia pain and trigger points or osteoarthritis also respond well to deep tissue techniques.
What to expect during a deep tissue massage?
A deep tissue massage at our clinic in Cambridge starts with a health screen and discussion about your needs to understand how best to help you. Our massage therapists might use their hands, elbows, or other tools to apply pressure onto your tissues. Some techniques are quite similar to a traditional massage but the movements are slower and the pressure is deeper and more concentrated on areas of tension or pain.
Is deep tissue massage painful?
Some discomfort during the massage is normal when deep pressure is directed into painful or tight areas but it should not feel so painful that your body starts to tense to protect itself. One of the main goals of a massage is to relax your body’s tissue, so this would be completely counterproductive.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person and the depth of massage you like is a very personal experience, so talk with your massage therapist and let us know if something is very painful or very uncomfortable. There are many different techniques that can easily be adapted to your personal pressure tolerance.
What is the difference between a deep tissue massage and a sports massage?
The main difference is that sports massage is mainly used on people that participate in intense physical activity. Sports massage includes all different type of massage techniques (deep tissue included) depending on the persons needs. The aim is to prepare for a sporting event or relieving from physical activities and detect and treat minor muscular skeleton injuries. Talk with your massage therapist about your aims and we will tailor the massage and techniques used to your individual needs.
The benefits of massage and exercise
Having a massage can feel like a treat and many people don't do it that often, however having them more regularly can have many health benefits and help progress your exercise performance and injury recovery.
What benefits does massage have?
We all know massage can help us feel good and relax. But it also has numerous other benefits such as:
- Reduce stress and increase relaxation.
- Reduce pain, muscle soreness and tension.
- Improve circulation
- Improve energy and alertness.
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
- Speed up recovery from injury.
- Faster recovery from training and ward off muscle fatigue
- Improve injury recovery
How can massage help with my exercise performance?
If you exercise regularly and you are also doing all the rehab/prehab exercises but occasionally get a little niggle or muscle tightness then having a massage once every 4-8 weeks can be very helpful at staying on top of these and reducing the risk of you having to take time out of your training due to this turning into an injury. The pain caused by the pressure on muscles during a sports massage causes your central nervous system to produce more pain-relieving chemicals and tissue-healing chemicals. This may reduce pain and speed up the healing of overworked muscle cells. The massage can reduce lactic acid buildup. They also help remove metabolic waste while increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to your tissues. This allows your body to recover faster from training and perform at its peak.
Can massage help me recover from injury quicker?
Yes, and the therapist will use different massage techniques for treating strains, pulled muscles, or tears compared to those used for relaxation. If you experience an injury or joint pain (especially if the problem is long-term or chronic), you’ll also have some soft-tissue restrictions, as the body naturally tightens up to protect the sore area. However, our body often overreacts/ over-restricts and this tightness can remain when the injury has healed. Massage can get rid of soft-tissue restrictions and increase circulation.
The increased circulation along with the therapist's hand movements brings fresh, oxygenated blood full of healing cells to the injured area. Massage helps to reduce our stress hormones. So, if your stress hormones are lower, and your pain perception is reduced, therefore you can push your rehabilitation further
By actively massaging out any soft-tissue restrictions, you’re not only helping your current injury but also helping prevent other problems down the road due to residual tightness.
What can I expect during a massage?
You don't need any special preparation for a massage. Before a massage starts, your therapist will ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you're hoping to get out of the massage. In a typical massage therapy session, you undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. Undress only to the point that you're comfortable. You generally lie on a table and cover yourself with a towel or sheet. Your massage therapist will leave the room when you undress before the massage and when you dress after it. Your therapist should evaluate touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply. If the therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Your therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin so be sure to tell them if you have any allergies. A massage session here at Cambridge Massage Therapy will last from 60 minutes and you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage. Breathe normally throughout your massage. Our therapists will be able to give you some advice on aftercare and any stretches or exercises they feel you may benefit from
If you would like any more information on how massage may benefit you or would like to book in with one of our therapists in Cambridge please do not hesitate to contact us on offer at 01223 914140 or e-mail us on enquiries@vineryroadstudios.co.uk