The Other F Word

Q & Ahhh

Massage Envy experts answer your questions

Q: How can receiving massage therapy on a regular basis help maintain a better  exercise routine?

A: Massage therapy is known to increase overall blood circulation in the body. By increasing circulation, more oxygen is delivered to the muscles, allowing for longer endurance periods, reduced recovery time and reduced residual pain. Massage therapy also improves range of motion, creating more body flexibility. Increased flexibility allows you to perform movements of the exercise more effectively and with greater ease!

Increased flexibility can also help 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 can create different stresses and strains on your muscles and joints. This often results in increased stiffness and pain. Massage therapy is the perfect remedy and can benefit everyone, from the elite athlete to the casual walker to the weekend warrior. Receiving massage therapy on a regular basis helps you to maintain overall health and wellness while enjoying your favorite exercise activities.

-C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy

Do you have a question for our experts about massage therapy? Contact info@MassageEnvy.com. Type "Ask C.G." in the subject line.

Sporting Relaxation

In sports, we push ourselves to the limit. And it's no surprise that our bodies push back. Sports massage has become a standard practice in pro sports. Coaches and sports medicine professionals are firm believers that massage can bring relief to sore athletes by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension and increasing their sense of well-being.

Experts find that massage produces mechanical pressure, which results in better muscle movement, improved joint motion and decreased stiffness- whether immediate or in the form of the dreaded delayed soreness. Not only do the physical healing effects of massage get an athlete game-ready faster, studies show that a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood also come into play thanks to relaxation after massage. Physically and mentally, the benefits of sports massage reboot athletes by enhancing performance and reducing injury risk.

So whether you're a flag-football weekend warrior or an Olympic contender, it's a win-win on and off the field.