by As the weather turns cooler and people start to ramp up their activity levels, pulled muscles, strains and bruises are often the result. Rather than simply suffering through the setbacks and resuming normal activity, incorporate therapeutic massage into your injury recovery routine to get back on track faster.
When incorporated into an overall treatment plan, therapeutic massage can stimulate circulation, reduce pain and improve flexibility to speed up the body’s natural healing process. This makes it an essential tool for anyone recovering from injuries, whether they are athletes or not.
Massage can reduce inflammation that is common with most injuries. Specific massage techniques such as lymphatic drainage massage promote the flow of the body’s natural defense mechanism to assist with reducing swelling, which can help in the reduction of pain and discomfort. Massage is also known to break down adhesions (knots and scar tissue) that limit movement, allowing for improved flexibility and a return to a more normal range of motion.
In addition to enhancing the movement of fluids, which is critical to tissue repair, massage can stimulate the release of certain chemicals that aid in the healing process. During massage, the nervous system releases hormones and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), that promote healing and decrease inflammation.
Massage improves sleep quality, which is vital for the body to heal and recover. A good night’s rest is especially helpful in reducing the pain and stiffness that comes with most injuries, and promoting proper alignment which is important for preventing future issues.
The most effective way to use massage therapy in injury recovery is to work with a certified and licensed therapist who can recommend the best type of massage to meet your specific needs. For example, if you have a sprained ankle, deep tissue massage may be too painful to penetrate the injured tissues and will not provide you with maximum benefits. A gentler form of massage, like a Swedish or hot stone massage, may be more appropriate.
Incorporating regular massage into your injury recovery regimen can significantly reduce stress and tension that is often associated with chronic injuries and slowing the healing process. This can help to minimize the risk of future injuries and speed up the healing process when used in combination with other treatments like physical therapy and acupuncture.
Many individuals who have been rehabilitating injuries with the help of therapeutic massage report that incorporating this technique into their recovery process was extremely beneficial and helped them return to their previous level of performance faster than expected. When incorporating massage into your injury recovery program, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing for treatment. This will ensure that the body is able to reap all of the possible benefits. For optimal results, schedule sessions to begin during the subacute phase of injury recovery, after initial inflammation has subsided. If you are looking for an Atlanta massage therapy make sure you check on Midtown Family Wellness.