I will never forget the tightness and pain I felt after crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon last April. I was able to finish in three hours and 30 minutes, but my body took quite a beating over those 26.2 miles. It was pouring rain at the starting line in Hopkinton that morning, and the cold headwind and misty drizzle didn't help my working muscles.
At the finish line I was led right to the convention center. There I was greeted by a beautiful site: An auditorium full of massage therapy students.
You don't have to be a marathon runner to gain from massage therapy. Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing.
Research has shown the many health benefits of massage. Massage increases circulation, which speeds healing and recovery. It decreases inflammation, pain, tension, anxiety and depression. Massage also increases mobility, allowing greater joint flexibility and range of motion.
Studies at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami even discovered that massage therapy can enhance attentiveness and increase the functioning of our immune system.
One of the most common types is the traditional Swedish massage. The purpose this massage is to energize the body by stimulating circulation. The five basic strokes flow toward the heart and manipulate the soft tissues of the body. A Swedish massage will leave you feeling relaxed, but can also speed healing.
When we exercise, we break down our bodies and create microscopic tears in the muscles. These heal with proper rest and, as the body adapts to the stimulus, we come back faster and stronger. Many athletes, runners, swimmers and cyclists use the same muscles over and over again. Trigger or stress points can form within the muscles or tendons. These bundles of muscle fibers that remain contracted in the muscle are commonly known as knots.
Trigger points cause pain and develop from a trauma, like being hit or falling. They can also develop from repeated stress and strain. Heavily-exercised muscles are prone to trigger points, which can cause the muscle to be sore, decrease in flexibility and even lose their capacity to relax from being chronically tight. This leaves the athlete open to injury.
Massage therapy is becoming a staple in the training regimens of many athletes. In preparation for an upcoming sprinting event, I've started getting regular massages to keep myself injury-free.
It can be painful at times to work out the tight, tense muscles that frequent, intense training can cause. I like to think of it as "muscle surgery," because I feel way better afterwards. It is a critical step in the recovery aspect of training that is often overlooked.
A sports massage therapist will focus on the athletes' muscle groups that are directly affected from training and sport. Massage works out the built-up lactic acid in the muscles and releases toxins from the body. A sports massage is a great way to shorten recovery period between intense training sessions, which will improve your performance, as well as restore elasticity to the muscles and reduce the chance of injury.
When you go to get a massage you can expect the massage therapist to have you fill out a medical history form and inquire about your stress levels, overall health, fitness and nutrition. They also ask about any trouble spots or areas that you would like to focus on. This allows them to make the massage specific to you.
Normally, you are completely disrobed for a massage, but under a sheet or blanket the entire time. If you are uncomfortable with being naked, undergarments whatever you prefer to make you feel comfortable can be worn.
Massage is a costly service, averaging at $1 per minute or more. It is well worth it, but sometimes you can find a discounted price by contacting local massage therapy schools in the area and inquiring about their student rates.
Looking for a quick chair massage? Hopkins offers free 5-10 minute massages with a professional therapist Tuesdays at the Hop Stop from 1-5 p.m.
