As well as physically preparing the muscles before an event, massage can also help the athlete to mentally relax and focus on the event in hand.

 

Massage works on so many levels, all of which aim to reduce any symptoms that can cause a negative sensory input and lead to an increase in the positive input. This accounts for the general feeling of well being that players feel after any treatment.

I was talking with another massage therapist the other day and the topic of government regulating the industry was discussed.  At the moment anyone can set up and charge for massages.  There is going to be some kind of regulatory system up next year.  While it is always good to be registered with an approved body we were discussing the fact that massage is one of those services that has been around since the beginning of time.  It is one of the oldest healing practices.  Mothers do it for children when they are hurt, husbands, wives, friends, family do it for each other when there are tired hurting muscles or to make someone feel good, cared for and loved.  If someone is good at massage and wants to charge for their services does it really need to be regulated?  I guess if you were advertising to 'fix' someone who has a particular ailment then it could be a bit risky, but surely that is up to the client to ensure the therapist is suitably knowledgeable?  What do you think?

'The first action of massage on muscles is to encourage them to relax and lengthen; (imagine a wound up elastic band being unraveled), relieving tightness, tension and toxins.

 

The second action is to encourage fresh blood into the congested area, bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the fatigued muscle, and assisting with the removal of the toxic waste product produced by muscle action called lactic acid.

 

Massage will assist the flow of the straw coloured fluid that circulates our body known as lymph. The lymphatic system is instrumental in fighting infection and developing immunity.

 

Often after a number of massages people find that they are more aware of their bodies and in turn more able to relax. When 80 percent of visits to GP’s [doctors] are stress related, massage has an important role to play in the nations health.'

 

 

Oh no, such a yukky weekend with the weather, but the forecast looks brighter.  Time for a bit of a lesson on why massage is good for you......

 

Massage is a wonderful antidote to stress and a powerful way to relax. It allows you to switch off that nagging voice inside your head, to unwind from the overwork, rush and worries that compound, encourages you to breathe deeply and slowly and eases out the tension found in tight muscles. Through the act of relaxation we stimulate a part of the brain (the parasympathetic nervous system) that slows down the heart rate, the rate of breathing, lowers blood pressure and stimulates digestion and immunity.

Massage can literally soothe our nerves and produce a feeling of well being.

 

Now doesn't that make you want to have one?  But wait there's more..... tune in at a later date for the next installment of Why Massage is Good For You.

Welcome.  It seems that this week is the week when people with sore shoulders have come to see me for relief.  Massage can relax bunched muscles, stretch out and warm sore muscles.  And that sore spot between the shoulder blades, that can be a real bug bare, but I know just the spot to give you some relief.   Book and massage and feel the difference.