Series: 10 ways Massage can benefit You. Part 1

Welcome to the first post in my series:

10 ways Massage can benefit You.

This series is designed to encourage you to 'ReThink Massage' and open up your understanding to the benefits outside of just relaxation.

#1 Help Speed Recovery from Injury

Today we will look at how massage can help speed recovery from injury and actually help your body to repair itself.

Massage in all forms can be hugely beneficial to anybody who takes part in it, especially athletes who have sustained an injury. Not only can it speed recovery but it can also aid in the prevention of re-injury by allowing your body to heal completely. Generally, massage relaxes and relieves tension stored in the muscles but it also works much deeper.

- Massage encourages better nutrition in the muscles

Blood circulation is improved which helps your muscles to get maximum nutrition and oxygen which then increases tissue metabolism, allowing your body to heal faster.

- Shorter recovery times

Lactic and Carbonic acid are two of the waste products that build up in the muscles after exercise. Massage increases blood circulation so your body is able to rid itself of these toxins at a faster rate which reduces recovery time between workouts.

- Prevention of future injuries

During a massage, your connective tissue is stretched and manipulated, this improves circulation to prevent adhesions (internal scar tissue) forming throughout your muscles. Massage also influences the rate that your body releases the chemicals it needs to repair itself.

Common techniques used when an injury is involved are: