Massage Message

Stretching and massage therapy go hand in hand when it comes to better flexibility and overall health. Stretching as well as other forms of bodywork such as massage bring relaxation to the body and help release accumulated tensions. Relaxation of the mind and body makes for a healthier person. There have been studies that have shown that mental and physical stress weakens the immune system and lack of flexibility can lead to poor performance and an increased chance of injury.

Massage increases flexibility and improves range of motion by stimulating the body to produce more lubricant in connective tissue fibers and by loosening and lengthening the muscles. The stretching of a muscle will also loosen it and elongate it bringing flexibility and a greater range of motion. With a greater range of motion, the muscles will be less susceptible to muscle strain and injury. Circulation is also improved with both massage therapy and stretching. This will facilitate healing and recovery from illness and will help the removal of waste products, such as lactic acid. A decrease in lactic acid in the muscle increases performance and minimizes post exercise soreness.

With age and inactivity, the muscles in the body tighten and become less limber. As we age, the body looses water over time and dehydrates to some extent. This will cause lack of mobility but with a regular stretching routine, the muscles will loosen, lengthen and flexibility returns and being consistent will prevent them from tightening up again. Flexibility exercises or stretching can be done anywhere without any need for machines or equipment. There are also plenty of self massage techniques available if you do not want to go to a therapist for a massage before your stretching routine.

There should always be a warm up before starting a stretching routine because it is not a good idea to stretch cold muscles. This can be as simple as a light walk, jog or bicycle ride just so there is an increased blood flow which will physically warm the muscles up. This is very important because warmer muscles are more elastic which makes the body more supple which in turn makes stretching easier and safer. Some people may think that stretching is a way of warming up but that is not the case. While they may be partly right because stretching is an important part of warming up, the main reason for warming up is to raise your core body temperature and your heart rate. At this point, the body is ready to stretch.

Stretching alone brings relief of tension, reduction of stress and increased flexibility so when combined with regular massage sessions the health benefits are increased significantly. So bottom line, if you are interested in being healthier, more productive, and with an increased sense of well being, I recommend you incorporate both stretching and massage into your wellness plan.

Technorati Tags: bodywork, flexibilty, massage, massage therapy, relaxation, streching