Massage and exercise: A brief overview

Tim B    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts     hot stone massage, massage, swedish massage

When taking part in exercise, we often think about how our fitness and skills are improving as well as whether we are enjoying the experience or not. Very little time is spent thinking about how we should prepare for the sport, or what type of recovery is needed afterwards.

Massage has been used for centuries as a way of relieving aches, pains and stress, and improving feelings of well-being. It can be used before exercising, as a way of preparing muscles for action, and after exercise, as a way of relaxing and soothing the muscles. Massage can also be used effectively to treat any injuries that occur during activities.

A pre-sport massage can help to warm up muscles by using short and quick techniques that increase the blood flow. Stretching exercises should then be carried out to the muscles that will be used during your specific sport.

A post-sport massage uses slower techniques. These soothe and relax the muscles and mind, after exercising and further stretching. Also, It is suggested that massage improves circulation and therefore aids the removal of waste products generated within the body during exercise, thus reducing aching the following day – Swedish massage is best used for this.

For the pre-exercise massage more tapotement techniques will be used, such as cupping and hacking, as they increase the blood flow. Using essential oils with this treatment brings the added benefits of aromatherapy. Some essential oils are able to increase circulation by promoting vasodilatation; they may also act as mental stimulants, making the receiver feel more alert. These oils include rosemary, black pepper and eucalyptus.

During the post-exercise massage the therapist would use more effleurage techniques, which are longer and more flowing. Hot stone massage may be used to promote relaxation of the deeper muscles, and to encourage the body to release any tension it has following periods of exercise. Essential oils may also be used here, again to stimulate the circulation of blood, and to help the removal of waste and toxins.

A sports massage differs from a Swedish massage, as it will focus on specific muscle groups to be used during your exercise or sport. This is recommended for professional sports players, who will also benefit from the more relaxing massages.

Sports injuries, particularly those involving inflammation, cannot be massaged. Remedial massage can be used after the heat has left the injury, this massage uses deeper tissue techniques, and can promote healing and help with the recovery from injury.

It is important to complete a consultation with a therapist prior to any massage, as this will highlight your needs and any contraindications (reasons that a treatment cannot go ahead).

Please note that massage is not a replacement for warming up or cooling down. This article is the opinion of the writer and research should be made into your choice of massage and therapist.

This post is written by Michelle Lee who is one of our team writers at Adventure Sports Holidays and also runs Holistic Treats, offering Brighton Massage and Brighton Beauty.

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Tim Brickle wrote 29 articles on this blog.

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