Massage 101 - Relax and Refresh with Massagers and more
18 Nov

Sports Massage Improves Athletic Performance

Posted by AskMicheleWeeks, under Massage Techniques
Back Massage

Therapist using a Sports Massage Stroke

Athletes looking to improve performance will benefit from Sports Massage. Often it is assumed that only elite athletes would get a sports massage however, anyone that works out, uses their body extensively in a work situation or competes in a sports event would benefit from a sports massage. Sports Massage can be done before an event, after an event or regularly as part of a maintenance routine.

Sports massage can be relaxing, but it can also be uncomfortable on occasion especially if a stressed or injured area is being worked on. Compression, kneading, muscle stripping and tapotement are some of the basic strokes used. Compression is a rhythmic up and down broad motion stroke that encourages increased circulation to superficial, as well as, deeper muscle tissues. Kneading (like kneading dough,) aids in releasing muscles from the muscles below them. Muscle stripping is when the therapist separates adjacent muscles so they work independently and more efficiently. And, tapotement is that drumming or karate chop-like stroke that stimulates a large muscular area.

No Comments | Tags: , , , , ,
18 Nov

Massage and Common Sense Can Ease Shoulder Problems

Posted by RoxianneM, under Massage Treatments

Massage can ease shoulder pain and alleviate problems

Massage can ease shoulder pain and alleviate problems

Your shoulder joint is both strong and delicate. This incredibly flexible joint allows your arms to move through a wide range of motion, but so often we misuse or abuse our shoulders to the point that they are prone to a variety of injuries and ailments. If not treated, even a small problem can become debilitating, causing limited movement and pain.

Many shoulder problems are caused by daily wear and tear. These include tendinitis, bursitis, trigger points and even frozen shoulder. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed and painful. In the shoulder, this generally affects the supraspinatus, and is caused by poor posture or overuse. Bursitis results from the inflammation of the bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that lubricates and cushions pressure points between your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints. In the shoulder, this can often become inflamed from overuse or traumatic injury. Trigger points appear as small knots in the muscles, and are common in the shoulder area. These trigger points can also refer pain to other areas, mimicking the symptoms of tendinitis and frozen shoulder.

Most people tend to favor an area that is causing pain, limiting their movements to minimize pain. However, this can actually lead to frozen shoulder, in which the shoulder becomes so stiff that it quickly loses mobility.

1 Comment | Tags: , , , ,