Role of massage therapy in injury recovery (3)

Role Of Massage Therapy In Injury Recovery

Massage therapy is incredibly beneficial for just about anyone. Any kind of pain, discomfort, and stress can be significantly alleviated with the help of professional massage. In fact, if you’ve injured yourself during a particularly tenuous gym session, some types of massages, such as deep tissue massage, can do a lot to get you on your way to recovery. This is why we will let you in on all that you need to know about the beneficial role of massage therapy in injury recovery.

So, massages are indispensable when it comes to body rehabilitation after an injuryIn addition, massage therapies are also fantastic when it comes to preventing injuries!

Massages help decrease anxiety and stress. And when you are not under a lot of stress, your sleep quality improves. All of this makes massage therapy invaluable for the recovery process and your general well-being.

 

How often do I have to get a massage to feel the benefits?

What needs to be noted is that several sessions are needed to feel the results. Furthermore, they need to be separated by a day or two. In order to feel the benefits, you cannot just haphazardly schedule the massages whenever you want. It would be best if you were committed and punctual.

Yet this is only a part of the story. There are scores of benefits that your body can harness from a good massage.

For example, massage therapy that also involves a body scrub not only takes out the tension from your body but also removes dead skin cells that pile up on your epidermis, making your skin feel soft and glowy. A good scrub also promotes circulation, which has a host of benefits for your recovery (aside from amazing-looking skin).

Of course, it is not only the appearance of your skin that improves with the help of a massage. It is no coincidence that massages are a regular part of professional athletes’ daily routines and their injury recovery plans.

Namely, deep tissue massages release tension and fluids. This is one of the reasons why an injured body is able to recuperate efficiently after a few treatments. Hence, let’s take a quick look at all the benefits of massage therapy.

Why is massages therapy good for recovering from an injury?

Massage therapy speeds up the healing process

When it comes to sports injuries, the body has to increase its flexibility and strength in order to recover quickly and properly. In that sense, massage therapy has a crucial role in injury recovery as it helps the muscles in your body relax by releasing muscle tension.

Aside from muscle tension, carbonic acid, lactic acid, and other substances that pile up in the muscles after exercise are also dissolved by the body more quickly after massage therapy. Hence, this kind of muscle stimulation helps the body initiate recovery processes more rapidly and efficiently.

Of course, there are other ways you can improve the recovery process after a sports injury. For instance, good nutrition alongside massage therapy enables the body to recover in no time. This is good news for athletes and people who have to get back to work (or the gym) as soon as possible.

Blood circulation and muscle nutrition

Massages enhance blood circulation, which means the body is able to transport the necessary nutrients and oxygen all around the body. Also, the transmission of these and other healthy substances vital for tissue rejuvenation happens more proficiently.

In simple terms, good blood circulation nourishes the body, which builds body strength and makes the healing process easier.

Massages reduce stress

Massages are stress-relievers. So, not only does the muscular tension get treated with the help of pressure, but massages also reduce psychological stress.

Physical pain and discomfort can be accompanied by a lot of frustration or emotional and psychological distress. However, a massage is a great way to help yourself relax mentally as well as physically. For example, essential oils, aroma therapy-based massages, and CBD oil massages do wonders for the body and mind.

Some pampering after an injury certainly won’t do you any harm!

Muscle flexibility and role of massage therapy in injury recovery

Massage therapy works wonders for muscle flexibility. After an injury, your range of movements might be quite reduced since your muscles are still tense. A massage of the injured area can relax the muscles, activate them and help the patient retain a full range of motion. Or in other words, massages help your muscles become more flexible.

However, this only happens gradually. Muscle flexibility cannot be improved immediately, so be sure not to force your muscles before the time is right.

Massage therapy helps prevent future injuries

As we have mentioned, it is not just immediately after an injury that massage therapy is helpful. This is related to improved muscle flexibility. Namely, when the muscles are flexible and strong, the connective tissue is less prone to adhesions and internal muscle haemorrhaging.

Also, some studies point to a connection between massage therapy and the release of chemicals such as nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus – elements that are essential for muscle regeneration.

Which injuries can massage therapy resolve?

There is a number of injuries that can be treated with massage therapy. However, it is important that you observe massage therapy as a supplementary health treatment. So, even if you do not feel a lot of pain after a training session, you need to consult a doctor if the pain does not go away.

Let’s see which injuries are most commonly treated with massage therapy.

Lower back pain

Most of us work long hours in offices. This means we spend a lot of time in a seated position. This is, of course, not especially good for our spine, back muscles, and posture.

When you are sitting for extended periods, your back muscles have to endure a lot of pressure. Lower back pain is exacerbated if the person slouches while sitting or if the posture is bad.

In addition, exercising can make lower back pain worse if you are not doing the exercises correctly. This also happens when you are lifting weights that are too heavy for your spine and back muscles.

This is why you should contact a certified massage specialist the moment you notice you have lower back pain after exercising. A massage will help alleviate the pain and strengthen your muscles.

Proper posture while sitting and a chair designed to support your back could also help eliminate lower back pain. Some people who work eight or more hours may opt for a sit-stand dynamic or even standing desks to deal with this problem.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Just like lower back pain, this condition is also common if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. Strains can occur in different parts of the body. This includes shoulders, neck, back, but also arms and hands.

In some cases, you may feel a tingling sensation, tightness, or numbness in one or more than one area of your body. Just like with lower back pain, you might experience greater strain or even injury after exercise. If this happens to you, it is essential to see a massage specialist to deal with the built-up tension and strain in time.

Aside from ergonomic chairs, which promote good posture, you can also reduce the strain by using a softer grip when holding the mouse or other tools. Also, be sure to take regular breaks in order to prevent RSI.

Neck pain caused by back muscle strain

People frequently experience pain in their necks due to a number of factors. These factors may be an inadequate sleeping position, a sports injury, or prolonged strain similar to RSI. As constant neck pain can significantly diminish your quality of life, it is important that you address this problem adequately.

Luckily, massage therapy helps with neck pain as well. A certified physiotherapist will be able to massage problematic points in the neck. Even more importantly, they will able to locate the deeper cause of the problem.

Knee pain

Therapeutic massages are usually associated with back or neck pain. Yet, the human knee has a very complex structure, making it very susceptible to injuries and pain. For example, a knee injury called patellofemoral pain happens when you experience pain around or in the knee, between the thighbone and the kneecap.

The role of massage therapy in injury recovery related to joints and muscles in the knee is also worth addressing. Massage therapists are able to alleviate pain by applying pressure in the area of the impacted muscle and joint. Yet, it is advisable that you consult an osteopath to see if you would benefit from knee massage therapy.

Reasons Hot Stone Massage Is Good For You

The adage “Health is Wealth” is such a true saying. In a busy world, we don’t spend enough time catering to our well-being. A bit of self-wellness goes a long way, which can help you build a better quality of life. Here are some reasons why a hot stone massage is beneficial.  

Pain Relief

If you’re someone who suffers from different ailments, it’s a good idea to get your hot stone massage from someone reputable. Here are a few things that it helps with in regards to pain:

  • Good for reducing tension in your muscles
  • Helps you relieve your inflammation in the body
  • You’ll develop a better range of motion because your body limbers up

This natural heat treatment works wonders if you have back issues or just sections of your body that gets stiff from being overworked. The more flexible you become, the better you shape you’ll be in the long-run. 

Great Treatment to Reduce Stress

Whether you’re working on your final dissertation for your Masters or you have a fast-paced job, it can wear you out. You need a way to help you get rid of your anxiety from having to always perform at a high level. 

When you get your hot stone massage, it helps bring you back down to Earth.  A 15-minute session can take you away from your daily stressors, and get you to relax. Not only is this good for your body, but it clears your mind. Having that mental clarity can be a good measure to help you in your weekly goals and challenges. 

Promotes Better Sleep

The more you age, the harder it is to get some quality sleep. You have your daily responsibilities and sometimes you bring your work life to the home. By the time you’re able to take a break from it all, you might still be wired from the day’s activities.

Being able to relax gives your body a way of restoring itself. Some stone therapy can help you unwind and that’ll reflect in your sleeping cycle. When you’re in a calmer state of mind, you’ll be able to get more rewarding sleep. As a result, you’ll feel more energized in the morning and can begin the day on a high note.

A good stone massage can help you rejuvenate your mind and body to help you tackle the week. 

How to Find a Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is one treatment you cannot live without, as it reduces stress and improves your outlook overall.

By scheduling regular massage treatments, you will realize some health benefits that exercises, such as yoga or deep breathing, cannot provide.

To find a massage therapist, see what he or she provides first in massages. Therefore, identify your health goals. By picking the right therapist, you can put an end to sore muscles permanently.

Types of Massages

You can obtain massage services, as follows:

  • Deep tissue massage
  • Hot stone massage
  • Prenatal massage

A Deep Tissue Massage

Each one of the above therapies provides certain benefits. For example, a deep tissue massage relaxes the muscles and provides the following –

  • The reduction of muscle pain and discomfort
  • Releases tension in the shoulders, hips, and neck
  • Enhances muscle recovery for sports-related injuries
  • Treats and reduces chronic back pain
  • Reduces high blood pressure
  • Lessens stress, muscle tension, and anxiety
  • Breaks up scar tissue
  • Eliminates the symptoms associated with arthritis

If you are an expecting mom, you can relieve prenatal discomfort and anticipate an easier delivery by scheduling regular prenatal massages. When seeking a massage therapist, review their specialties.

A Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is a unique type of massage treatment and is well worth the $150 cost of the 60-minute therapy. During the therapy, you can expect the following:

  • River-smoothed basalt stones are heated in sanitized warm water, and used and positioned on specific parts of the body. This optimizes the therapeutic effect of the massage treatment.
  • A high iron content in the basalt stone retains the heat in the stone during the massage.
  • This type of massage provides both psychological and physical benefits, as the heat from the stone enables you to relax and permits the massage therapist to manipulate deep tissues more proficiently.
  • A rich vegan body cream or organic coconut oil is used during the massage treatment.

As you can see, getting a massage is something everyone needs in today’s stress-filled, busy society.

When choosing a massage therapist, make sure he or she offers both deep massage and hot stone massage therapies.

Scheduling a Body Scrub

Besides scheduling a massage treatment, you can also get rid of toxins and rejuvenate your skin at the same time by getting a body scrub.

When choosing a massage therapist, make sure they offer this service as well.

Organic body scrubs often use Himalayan or sea salts that are blended with extra virgin olive oil and a mesmerizing blend of citrus and floral scents – all derived from natural and essential oils.

Customize your body scrub’s aromatherapy by choosing from scents, such as:

  • Jasmine
  • Orange and rose
  • Lemon
  • Eucalyptus and peppermint
  • Lavender and sandalwood
  • Tangerine

Again, when selecting a massage therapist, make sure he or she provides all the above treatments and that they have the proper credentials.

By taking this approach, you can enjoy regular massages or scrubs and their many benefits.

 

How Massage Therapists Are Keeping Clients Safe From COVID-19?

As spas reopen, owners and employees are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their clients. Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), massage therapists are implementing several safety measures while continuing to offer the same relaxed environment.

Spas are implementing stringent safety protocols as they brave a new world of COVID19 massages. From temperature checks to thorough sanitation, here are the ways massage parlors and spas are keeping guests safe during COVID-19:

Protective Measures During COVID-19

Health Checks

Employees and clients are required to have their temperatures checked upon arriving. Those with temperatures of 100.4°F (38°C) and above, experiencing mild symptoms such as coughing and dizziness, and those who have been exposed to others who’ve been showing symptoms, are advised to stay home. Most spas have waived last-minute cancellation fees.

Protective Gear

Before massage therapists can offer COVID19 massages, they must wear protective facial coverings such as face masks, goggles, and face shields. Some massage therapists even wear full-body PPE (personal protective equipment) for extra safety. Clients are also required to wear masks the entire time they are in the spa.

Strict Schedules

Unlike before, when clients could wait for their turn at the lounge, clients must arrive five minutes before their appointment. A massage therapist will greet them at the door to take their temperature, before guiding them to the lounge. Walk-in COVID19 massages are discouraged during this time, and no one must accompany the client unless he/she is a minor.

Social Distancing

Strict social distancing is observed at all times inside and around the spa. Clients must maintain at least 1.5 meters between each other while in the waiting area. As mentioned before, only clients with appointments are permitted inside the waiting lounge. Couches and chairs have been marked to show which seats cannot be taken.

Cleanliness

To provide a clean and safe environment, spas are taking extra steps to ensure sanitation such as thoroughly wiping down all massage beds with hospital-grade disinfectants, cleaning washrooms multiple times an hour, using linens only once, disinfecting door handles, replacing glassware with disposable cups, mopping floors daily, and much more.

Safety First

Massages aren’t what they used to be and it’s going to take a while for people to get used to this “new normal.” If you’re wondering if it’s safe to get a massage, the answer is yes and no. Spas make it safe, but it’s up to clients to follow the health measures to ensure that it stays safe.

Outdoor Massages in Santa Monica

Sacred Splendor now offers outdoor massages in Santa Monica, Calfornia for the health and safety of everyone during COVID-19

Sacred Splendor Massage Therapy Santa Monica

outdoor massage in santa monica

 

 

HOW OUTDOOR MASSAGE IS SAFE IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA DURING COVID-19

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 during late December in 2019, people all over the world had been enforced to stay at home to resist the contagion of coronavirus.

Now, staying at home 24/7 for such a long period of time must have been very stressful and tiring for you, right?

At such time, a good COVID-19 friendly outdoor massage in Santa Monica will help you reduce both pain and stress. But how so with this coronavirus pandemic going on? Well, here’s some good news for you, especially if you are a fellow dweller of Santa Monica in California a.k.a. “The city of Inspiration”.

Spas and outdoor massage therapists are a relatively safe place to go to during this lockdown. If only you can take yourself there following the health precautions, let me show you how the recently re-opened spas in Santa Monica are safe during Covid-19

  • The furnishings inside the spas and bathhouses are frequently sanitized carefully since they come in direct contact with your body more often. All of their products are safe and clean to keep you safe from any kind of unwanted contamination.
  • The spas in Santa Monica have taken special measures to keep their customers as safe as possible from contact with other customers through spacing out between the furniture to ensure proper social distancing.
  • The customers are sanitized thoroughly before entering. You will not be allowed to get in the shop unless you are 100% disinfected.
  • You’ll always have to have an appointment with staff before coming to the spa. This will help them keep an account of all their customers coming in one day to avoid unnecessary gatherings. It will also let you have the best service without any rush!
  • The spas near your area will open only when the rate of infected patients are low. That means they might not be able to stay open in a regular basis. But you can never be too safe, can you? Plus, you can always check the website of your desired spa and make an appointment in your convenient time.
  • After entering the massage shop in Santa Monica, you will not be directly encountered by your therapist. After getting completely sanitized and ready for therapy, the staff will then come to you keeping adequate distance and following necessary safety measures.
  • Everyone will try to keep conversations as minimal as possible. The use of masks is compulsory in almost all the spas in Santa Monica. So make sure to be wearing them; regardless of how well you know the place or people.
  • Last but not least, make sure to fill up any pre-screening forms provided to let them know that they are working with a completely healthy person!

 

 

 

 

How To Find A Good Massage Therapist

If you are reading this post chances are that you’re looking for a good massage therapist. Today, there are lots of massage therapists out there and not all of them are good at what they are doing. As a result, finding the best one can be challenging.

To help you, in this article, we have compiled some proven tips for finding a good massage therapist for you.

Tip #1: Read Massage Therapist Writings

Usually, most massage therapists who are in private practice have brochures describing the kind of massage they perform as well as their philosophy and experience.

You can see these writings in naturopathic or chiropractor offices. And if you like what you see, don’t hesitate to ask them.

Tip #2: Ask for a referral

Obtaining recommendations for a massage therapist from your friends or loved ones is a good idea. As a matter of fact, you can even ask the massage therapist for recommendations if he/she doesn’t do the kind of spa you are looking for or if they are moving.

Nevertheless, if you are local, some therapists may even have private practices at cheaper rates.

Tip #3: Know your goals and health status

When looking for a massage therapist, you need to set your goals for your massage sessions. Are you concerned about reducing muscle tightness and stress, improving your overall wellbeing and health, or living without acute or chronic pain? Aside from that, you will also need to think about why you need massage therapists.

Keep in mind that your answers to these queries can help you in identifying what skills you are looking for in a therapist.

Tip #4: Give the massage therapist a try

Another way to find out whether a massage therapist is right for you or not is to book a session and give it a try.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to undergo a full massage term. Try asking the therapist if you can book a half an hour session to begin. If you like their work, you can extend the treatment in their massage chair.

Also, you can ask the therapists if they can schedule when they have an opening to ensure that it might work out.  You can supplement your massage with nutrients. Though some massage therapists will not agree with this, you should still give it a try because there is a little possibility that they will agree.

In addition to the four tips mentioned above you should also consider the experience of the massage therapist. As a piece of advice, look for a massage therapist that has at least 5 years of experience.

Massage Therapy Benefits

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
  • Decreased anxiety
  • Enhanced sleep quality
  • Greater energy
  • Improved concentration
  • Reduced fatigue

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues.

Bodywork can:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
  • Ease medication dependence.
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
  • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
  • Increase joint flexibility.
  • Lessen depression and anxiety.
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
  • Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
  • Reduce spasms and cramping.
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
  • Relieve migraine pain.