How massage works

 

Circulation, Nutrition and Repair: - The stroking movements used in massage mobilise the blood and lymph circulation - by increasing the pressure in  front of the stroke a vacuum is created behind, which will effectively mobilise the blood and lymph through the vessels. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue. A tight muscle will squeeze capillaries, restricting the blood flow to and from the cells, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.

 

Oxygenated Tissue - Deep massage helps the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them to recover more quickly.

 

Stretching - Sports massage can stretch and help lengthen tissues. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthways as well as sideways. Sports massage can stretch the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.

 

Break down scar tissue - Scar tissue is the result of previous injury in muscles, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain. Using manual techniques and  pressure this helps to break down, soften and re-align scar tissue and assists the remodelling phase of tissue healing. 

 

Improve tissue elasticity - Intensive training can make tissues hard and inelastic. Too much intense  training may not result in improvements. Sports massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues out. It increases the blood flow to the tissues and enhances the opening and dilating of blood vessels. By stretching the tissue this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.

 

Pain reduction - Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Sports massage helps to re-align and to lengthen tissue, enhance circulation to rid waste, and release the body’s own natural endorphins that all help to reduce pain and discomfort.

 

Relaxation - Muscles relax through heat, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation. Muscles  relax, and sensation increases  as nerve endings are stimulated. When relaxation is induced anxiety levels reduce.