Originally published August 19 2005
Massage helps muscles recover from workouts
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
If you are not stretching properly before and after workouts and are experiencing soreness, opt for massage therapy to help you build stronger muscles and recover after vigorous exercise.
Question: I often am sore from my workouts and hiking, and not sure if a massage would help or if I am not stretching properly?
Could a massage help my muscles recover and perform better in the future?
Answer: Massage has been a form of healing and therapy for thousands of years.
I would encourage you to continue a thorough and regular stretching routine before and after any physical activity to prevent any injuries.
It can prevent and alleviate physical stress by dilating blood vessels and improving blood circulation to the muscles in your body.
Fascia is all over your body, but the densest areas are in your lower back and down the sides of your legs.
The top layers of your body's muscles are rubbed and kneaded in long strokes to relieve tension and encourage relaxation.
It can benefit the deepest layer of muscles, relieving chronic tension associated with exercise injuries, but can be uncomfortable to some people.
Reflexology focuses on pressure points, where specific parts of the body where pulse and pressure are felt elsewhere.
In shiatsu, the massage therapists use their thumbs and palms to apply pressure to parts of the body that are said to "channel" the flow of energy.
Stone therapy massage uses the weight and heat of warmed, smooth stones to put pressure on tight and tense areas to give relief and improve circulation.
Sports massage uses Swedish and shiatsu techniques to prevent and heal injury if given before activity and relax tired muscles afterward.
Before getting a massage, make sure you hydrate by drinking plenty of water.
Massage removes toxins from the muscles and lymph glands and you will need lots of water to flush them out.
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