Benefits and Effects of Massage
Massage can:
Maintain body in better condition
Prevent injuries and loss of mobility
Cure and restore mobility to injured muscle tissue
Promote the feeling of wellbeing.
Physical effects of massage are:
Pumping – The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.
Increased tissue permeability – Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such a lactic acid and encourages the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover more quickly.
Stretching – Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch the sheath of fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.
Break down scar tissue – Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can affect muscle, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain.
Improve tissue elasticity – Hare training can make tissues hard and inelastic. Massage helps to reverse this by stretching the tissues.
Opens micro-circulation – Massage does increase blood flow to tissues, but so does exercise. What massage also does is open or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.
Physiological effects of massage are:
Pain reduction – Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the body’s endorphins.
Relaxation – Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.
Psychological effects of massage are:
Anxiety reduction – Through the effects mentioned above, relaxation is induced and so reduces anxiety levels.
Invigoration – If massage is done with brisk movements such as what would be done before a sports event, then this can produce an invigorated feeling.
Testimonials
1.My mother flew out from
Birgit – www.birgitphotography.com 1 October 2009
2. I started using Karin's massage services for the in 2006 and have found her to be professional and friendly. I have had pregnancy and normal massages from her and found her be very knowledgeable and approachable. Regards,
Fiona Hall Director
KIFFIN Limited
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M: 021 627 822 E: [email protected] W: www.kiffin.co.nz Skype: fiona-kiffin Facebook: Kiffin Twitter: nzkiffin
