The Benefits of Massage After Exercise: Story by Science
Have you experienced the feeling of recovery when you get massage therapy after a hard workout? Actually, many athletes and exercise enthusiasts feel massage therapy helps their bodies recover. But have you wondered what exactly are the benefits of massage after exercise, and what does the science tell us about its effectiveness?
Massage therapy has been recognized for its role in promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. But, furthermore, recent studies are figuring out that it can also be somehow effective in post-exercise recovery.
In today’s blog content, we’re going to dive into a closer look at the connection between massage benefits & regular exercise.
First Benefit: Reduces Muscle Soreness and Fatigue
One study published in the “Journal of Athletic Training” found that DOMS can be reduced significantly by massage therapy, because massage therapy can help alleviate muscle soreness and promote fast recovery. You might wonder what “DOMS” is. DOMS – which stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – is known as a common experience after intense physical activity, which means muscle pain and stiffness that typically appears 24~48 hours post-exercise. In this research, experiment results demonstrated that some participants who received massage therapy 2 hours after exercise said that they got less muscle soreness and greater muscle performance than those who didn’t have the massage.
Second Benefit: Improves Circulation & Reduces Inflammation
Did you know that massage therapy is well known to improve blood flow and lymphatic circulation, which is important for getting rid of waste products like lactic acid that build up during exercise? One of “Science Translational Medicine” studies found out that Massage therapy lowers signs of inflammation and helps grow new mitochondria in muscle cells, which are essential for energy and repair. According to this study, they say that massage not only reduces inflammation but also speeds up muscle recovery and healing.
Third Benefit: Enhance Flexibility & Range of Motion
You might have experienced an inconvenient move when you have tight muscles. Movement can be restricted by tight muscles, and it can lead to improper form and potential injury. However, maintaining flexibility and a full range of motion is essential for those who exercise regularly, including athletes. A study by “International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy” showed the possibility that massage therapy can improve flexibility and range of motion by reducing muscle tightness and increasing muscle length. The study highlighted one thing more, that participants who received massage therapy post-exercise had a much more increase in flexibility compared to others who performed stretching alone.
Fourth Benefit: Boosts Recovery & Muscle Performance
Massage therapy is also effective in overall muscle performance, not just for immediate relief. Let’s see another study. According to a study in “Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research”, there’s some possibility that getting massage therapy after exercise regularly can also improve muscle function. And moreover it could be effective for reducing fatigue, and enhancing workout performance as well. In the experiment, athletes who received massages after their workouts showed improved muscle strength and endurance compared to those who didn’t. So, it means that massage therapy can be a vital part of an athlete’s recovery.
Safe and Effective Professional Massage for Post-Exercise Recovery
Regular exercise is a great choice for your health, but as you’ve seen in this post, it also puts stress on the muscles, leading to micro-tears that have to be repaired to build strength. Getting a massage by a professional can support this process by reducing muscle tension, enhancing circulation, and facilitating the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues. This helps in reducing pain and inflammation, and can speed up the recovery process by allowing athletes to train more effectively and frequently.
Let’s Wrap up!
Massage after exercise offers multiple benefits, from reducing muscle soreness and fatigue to enhancing circulation, flexibility, and overall muscle performance. By integrating massage into your post-workout routine, you can maximize your recovery, reduce the risk of injury, and improve your athletic performance.
At Bliss Feet Spa, you can get a tailored massage by our expert therapists – which is designed to complement your exercise recovery. Book today and experience these benefits!
See more information here, or you can also simply call 778-379-5838 to place your order.