Real Benefits Of Muscle Massage?
Nobody can deny that a good massage feels great, but are these sensations actually any good for muscle recovery or just an immediate pleasure that vanishes as fast as it appears?
According to Beth Burgan, MA, MFA, a good muscle massage comes with real physical and emotional benefits.
This is achieved by applying physical pressure to soft tissues, causing an involuntary yet predicable relaxation response in the body.
If there is any pain, the body will immediately experience relief at different degrees depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the massage.
This immediate gratification alone is a great benefit and is the main reason why there are so many massage services around the world.
The relaxation response that comes with it slows down your heart and breathing rate, the production of the stress hormone decreases, and muscles release tension leaving a very nice relief sensation.
Recent studies are showing a correlation between this massage-caused relaxation and increased levels of serotonin (the happiness hormone), which can lead to an improved mood and other positive emotional effects, although more studies are needed to directly confirm the relationship between a massage and levels of serotonin in the brain.
Regarding the Mechanical Responses produced by a massage we have:
- An increase in blood and lymph circulation.
- Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments) which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.
And improved circulation system can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells, improving performance & endurance.
More efficient circulation also leads to a faster removal of waste products and reduces swelling (soreness) in soft tissues.
All of this combined, leave no question at all, massaging muscles & soft tissue as much as possible (at least once a day) will lead to pain relief, less swelling, better fluid circulation, and better and faster recovery, all these benefits are key to any athlete or enthusiast.
There are many forms of massages, but not everyone can attend a professional session every day, that's why solutions like our massage gun and other pressure-based products are a convenient and inexpensive replacement.
Talk soon!
According to Beth Burgan, MA, MFA, a good muscle massage comes with real physical and emotional benefits.
This is achieved by applying physical pressure to soft tissues, causing an involuntary yet predicable relaxation response in the body.
If there is any pain, the body will immediately experience relief at different degrees depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the massage.
This immediate gratification alone is a great benefit and is the main reason why there are so many massage services around the world.
The relaxation response that comes with it slows down your heart and breathing rate, the production of the stress hormone decreases, and muscles release tension leaving a very nice relief sensation.
Recent studies are showing a correlation between this massage-caused relaxation and increased levels of serotonin (the happiness hormone), which can lead to an improved mood and other positive emotional effects, although more studies are needed to directly confirm the relationship between a massage and levels of serotonin in the brain.
Regarding the Mechanical Responses produced by a massage we have:
- An increase in blood and lymph circulation.
- Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments) which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.
And improved circulation system can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells, improving performance & endurance.
More efficient circulation also leads to a faster removal of waste products and reduces swelling (soreness) in soft tissues.
All of this combined, leave no question at all, massaging muscles & soft tissue as much as possible (at least once a day) will lead to pain relief, less swelling, better fluid circulation, and better and faster recovery, all these benefits are key to any athlete or enthusiast.
There are many forms of massages, but not everyone can attend a professional session every day, that's why solutions like our massage gun and other pressure-based products are a convenient and inexpensive replacement.
Talk soon!
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