Massage Envy experts answer your questions
Q: Can massage therapy enhance my exercise program?
A: Yes, it can! Massage therapy aids in overall blood
circulation in the body. Increasing circulation means that more
oxygen is delivered to the muscles to allow for longer endurance
periods and toxins are removed quicker, which reduces recovery time
and residual pain. Massage therapy also has been shown to improve
range of motion which creates more flexibility in the body.
Increased flexibility allows you to perform movements of the
exercise more effectively and with greater ease. Massage therapy
also improves overall muscle and joint strength which, along with
increased flexibility, helps to prevent injuries to muscles, joints
and tendons.
Whether you are just getting started on an exercise program or
are revising your current exercise routines, keep in mind that any
new exercise activities require the body to engage in a variety of
movements to perform effectively. The new movements introduced to
the body will create different stress and strain on muscles and
joints, which can often create increased stiffness and pain.
Integrating massage therapy sessions into your regular schedule
will enhance and benefit any exercise routine.
Massage therapy can benefit everyone from the elite athlete to
the casual walker or weekend warrior. All that hard work won't pay
if our muscles and over-stressed and strained. Receiving massage
therapy on a regular basis helps us maintain overall health and
wellness and will keep us enjoying our favorite exercise
activities.
-C.G. Funk, vice president of industry relations and product
development for Massage Envy