Why Massage Therapy?

When I was bodybuilding, I wanted to train all the time. I did not understand what rest and recovery were. But then I saw many VHS videos (yes, I am aging myself LOL) of top bodybuilders doing massage and chiropractic care. Not only did I start receiving regular bodywork, but I also went on to complete Massage Therapy School and Naprapathic Medical School.

So why does massage work?

1. Relaxation: Massages can help reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation. The physical touch and pressure applied during a massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the body.

2. Pain relief: Massages can help alleviate various types of pain, including muscle soreness, stiffness, and tension headaches. By targeting specific areas of the body, massages can improve circulation, increase flexibility, and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to pain relief.

3. Improved circulation: Massages can enhance blood circulation, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. Improved circulation can also aid in the removal of waste products and toxins from the body.

4. Rehabilitation and injury recovery: Massages can be beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or those undergoing physical rehabilitation. They can help reduce scar tissue formation, break down adhesions, and improve flexibility and range of motion.

5. Mental well-being: Massages can have a positive impact on mental health. They can help reduce anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and releasing "feel-good" hormones. Massages can also improve sleep quality and overall feelings of well-being.

Can massage aid with fat loss?

1. Sports Massage: Sports massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on treating and preventing injuries, enhancing athletic performance, and promoting overall recovery in athletes. It involves techniques such as deep tissue massage, stretching, and joint mobilization. Sports massage can provide several benefits for athletes, including improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, increased range of motion, and accelerated recovery.

2. Fat Loss: Fat loss refers to the process of reducing body fat through a combination of exercise, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.

Sports massage can aid with fat loss by:

1. Enhanced Recovery: Sports massage can help athletes recover faster from intense workouts or training sessions. Reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation it can aid in the recovery process. When you recover more effectively, you can engage in more frequent and intense workouts, which can contribute to increased calorie expenditure and fat loss.

2. Improved Performance: Sports massage can enhance athletic performance by increasing flexibility, range of motion, and muscle function. When your body moves more efficiently, you can engage in more intense exercise sessions, leading to higher calorie burn and potentially more significant fat loss.

3. Stress Reduction: Sports massage can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. High stress levels can contribute to weight gain and hinder fat loss efforts. By managing stress through massage, individuals may be less likely to engage in emotional eating or other unhealthy behaviors associated with stress, which can support fat loss goals.

Sports massage can complement a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine by being a supportive practice for fat loss.

I often suffer from swelling and retain water. Can massage help with this?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that helps stimulate the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body, promoting the removal of toxins and waste products. This method can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing lymphedema, swelling, or poor circulation.

Self-massage can help with lymphedema by gently moving excess fluid from swollen areas into areas where lymph nodes are functioning properly. This is achieved by stimulating contractions of lymphatic vessels.

To perform self-massage, use light pressure and keep your hands relaxed. Make sure to massage towards untreated areas of your body and maintain a comfortable position. Aim to perform self-massage daily. The following steps outline the lymphatic self-massage process:

• Become familiar with the lymphatic system’s anatomy and the specific techniques used in lymphatic drainage massage.

• Deep breathing: Engage in deep breathing exercises to stimulate your lymphatic system. Place your hands on your stomach, breathe in deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly through pursed lips. Repeat five times.

• Neck massage: Gently stretch and release the skin at the front, sides, and back of your neck.

• Chest and underarm preparation: Prepare lymph nodes in your chest and underarm area to accept fluid from the affected abdomen and upper leg.

• Hip-to-underarm massage: Gently massage the skin from your hip to your underarm on the affected side of your body with lymphedema.

• Leg massage: Stretch and release the skin on the inside of your leg, moving fluid from the inside of your leg to the side and up towards your hip.

• Knee preparation: Gently massage the lymph nodes at the back of your knee in a rolling, upward motion.

• Lower leg massage: Gently stretch and release the skin on your lower leg, moving upwards towards your knee.

• Ankle and foot massage: Continue the upward massage on your ankle and foot.

• Toe massage: If your toes are swollen, gently push fluid towards your foot.

Self-massage combined with a qualified practitioner for lymphatic drainage massage can ensure the best possible outcomes. Please refer to my article on dry brushing as a means of lymphatic massage if the techniques above are a bit difficult.

Massage therapy offers extensive benefits, reducing stress, anxiety, and pain by releasing endorphins and lowering cortisol, while physically improving circulation, muscle tension, flexibility, and sleep quality, and can even boost the immune system, aiding in recovery from injuries and managing chronic conditions for better overall well-being.  Combine your session with a naprapathic treatment and be ready to be sent to 7th heaven and manage your pain without the use of narcotics or prescription medications.

Massage Therapy Packages can be purchased via our website under price and plans as well as shop page. Happy Holidays from our club to your family.