Is Massage Therapy Effective for Running-Related Injuries?
Massage therapy is a favorite choice for millions of athletes worldwide. Not only it feels great, but can also speed up recovery and prevent injuries. Runners claim that massage helps ease muscle soreness, relieves tension, and improves range of motion. It’s also a good injury prevention tool. What if you suffer from plantar fascitis, stress factures, shin splints, and other running related injuries? Is massage enough to get rid of pain?
The Surprising Health Benefits of Massage for Runners
This form of therapy has long been a part of runners’ training programs. Pro runners have an entire team behind, which includes massage therapists, nutritionists, and coaches. Massage aids in muscle repair, improves sports performance, and keeps your joints flexible. After a few sessions, the pain and aches you thought were normal will be gone.
Massage therapy helps runners in more than one way. Its benefits include:
- Relieves tight muscles
- Rebalances the musculoskeletal system
- Improves circulation
- Increases muscle and joint flexibility
- Treats soft tissue injuries
- Boosts performance
- Restores mobility to injured injuries
- Improves overall conditioning
- Breaks down scar tissue
- Reduces perceived pain
- Relaxes the mind and body
- Wards off anxiety and invigorates the mind
This treatment method removes minor scar tissues between muscles and fascia, leading to greater mobility. It also prevents overuse injuries, relieves pain, and improves blood flow to the runner’s muscles and tissues.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Massage?
The best time to get a massage is a few days before a race or marathon, or after training. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not recommended to book a massage the day before or right after a sports event. Some types of massage require recovery time, so you don’t want to put stress on your muscles.
Regular massages can help you become a better athlete and recover faster from exercise. This therapy is particularly effective for common muscle strains, Achilles tendinopathies, illiotibial band syndrome, and muscle soreness. If you’re ready to book a massage, contact the knowledge team at In Your Home Therapy!
