There are many new techniques and methods used in sports medicine today to help injured athletes heal faster and more thoroughly. One of these is the use of massage therapy. Massage therapy involves the kneading and rubbing of the muscles and skin, to release tension, relieve pain, and stimulate circulation. Massage can help almost anyone with stiff or injured muscles, but it is especially recommended for athletes.
Any athlete with a soft tissue injury, atrophy from having a limb or area immobilized, or with tears and other issues in their musculature can benefit from massage therapy. It is especially useful after a break or resting period, as it increases the elasticity of the body and readies the athlete for training again. Even if the athlete doesn't have any specific injuries, regular massage can keep the pain and minor damage of training from becoming an issue.
Joints can be extremely painful when injured and can take a long time to heal. By using special massage techniques, a trained massage therapist can help alleviate the swelling and pressure around the joint. They can also encourage any gather fluids to drain, or reduce pain and inflammation. Flexibility can also be gently increased in a healing joint without stressing it or causing further injury. This can allow a joint to heal completely without becoming stiff from disuse.
Muscle injuries can also be healed faster and easier by using massage. Regular massage of a healing muscle can help limit the amount of scar tissue that develops. It also keeps blood circulation up in the area of the injury, bringing in the needed materials to repair the muscle or tendon while removing any toxins or dead cells. Massage also puts the patient in a very relaxed state, which can help improve sleep quality. Pain and tension can keep an injured athlete from getting the sleep they need to fully heal.
Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at http://www.swengines.com He writes about selecting used engines and choosing this as an alternative to costly car purchases.
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