By Kara Roche
Sports Massage Therapist
Event season is now upon us, if you are a novice starting to run for the first time, trying to get in shape for a 10K, lose a bit of weight for your holidays, or you have decided to sign up for a Marathon. It is important to make sure you take good care of your body, keep yourself healthy to help you fully recover between your training sessions.
As part of your preparation, have you thought about including regular Deep Tissue Massage? Studies have shown this can help to improve flexibility and speed up recovery from DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) (1) which can be extremely beneficial in the build up to your event.
Why Massage?
Regular deep tissue massage could help to relax those tense hard-working muscles which have a build-up of lactic acid, which keeps a good flow of oxygen to the muscle tissue. It can also boost recovery, which is essential if you are trying to run at your best.
Muscle stiffness can throw off your gait, which then can lead to other problems over time, and by getting a sense for how your body should feel when everything is in balance, you are then more likely to notice any small issues before they turn into chronic problems (2)
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
The aim of this type of massage is to gradually realign the deep layers of your muscles and connective tissue. This is different from traditional Swedish massage, this involves the application of pressure with the hands, forearms, and elbows by kneading, rubbing, or using traction on the muscles.
Who can benefit from massage?
Anyone, from professional athletes to complete beginners, usually the soreness you feel after starting a new sport such as running, can put some people off doing it again, therefore being able to alleviate this soreness will help people continue to run.
How often would I need a massage?
To keep muscles working at their best, a regular deep tissue massage program is a good way to make sure you can maintain your training schedule, dependant on how hard you are training will determine how frequently you have massage, your schedule can be advised by your healthcare professional.
If you are interested in learning more about Deep Tissue Massage and how we can help, then you should contact Wellbeing Chiropractic Health Centre, we are located in The Granary, Blisworth Hill Farm, Northampton, NN7 3DB. Alternatively you can look at our website www.wellbeing-chiropractic.co.uk for more information and to book an appointment online. if you would prefer to book over the phone then call us on 01604 422488.
References:
1. Davis HL, Alabed, S, Chico TJA. Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis, BMJ Journals
2. K.Barstone Mar 2014https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20842798/the-pros-and-cons-of-massages-for-runners/#:~:text=Runners%20report%20that%20massages%20help,rewarded%20for%20their%20hard%20efforts.
