Injury MassageSpecifically targeted injury massage helps soft-tissue injuries (such as muscle pulls and strains, tendonitis, ligament sprains, and whiplash) heal faster. Massage reduces spasm, pain, swelling, and formation of excess scar tissue. Massage also breaks up excess scar tissue and adhesions (stuck together tissue) that weaken muscles and contribute to further injury."Skillful, knowledgeable massage can make the difference between a one-time muscle strain that takes a few weeks to resolve and a painful, limiting, chronically recurring condition… By applying skills to the proper formation of scar tissue, the reduction of edema, the limiting of adhesions, and the improvement of circulation and mobility, massage can turn an irritating muscle tear into a trivial event." When you injure a muscle or other soft-tissue, small tears occur in the tissue fibers. To heal the tears, your body immediately begins to form scar tissue at the injured site. However, this scar tissue does not necessarily run parallel to the fibers of the injured tissue, which can lead to excess scar tissue that is weak and prone to further injury. Also, because scar tissue is not elastic, it can restrict movement of surrounding fibers, again setting you up for further injury. Injury massage creates tension and stretch that breaks up excess scar tissue and helps align the new tissue fibers. This process makes the injured site stronger and less prone to new injury. Massage also increases circulation to the injured area, bringing needed nutrients and removing waste products produced in the healing process. Massage for injury requires a regular schedule, no less than once a week. In some cases, you will see much faster results with a twice-a-week schedule. For how long? It depends on the nature and extent of the injury, how old it is, and your ability to heal. It also depends on your willingness, when appropriate, to ice the injury, do some exercises or stretches, or identify and eliminate the cause of ongoing injury. Injury massage is not necessarily relaxing and can leave you feeling sore for a day or two. However, it’s not necessary to be in a lot of pain after the massage—that’s too much work—always let your massage therapist know how you felt after your last massage. Modern Neuromuscular Techniques Used in Injury Massage More injury and pain articles on this site: Elbow Pain - Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow, and Thrower's Elbow Psoas Muscle - How It Causes Back and Hip Pain Rotator Cuff Exercises and Massage for injuries. Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) is common among people who use computers, but also occurs in other professions requiring repetitive motion, such as musicians, bakers, and carpenters. Wrist Pain - Self Care Tips Other recommended articles: Groin Injuries - Treatment and Prevention Hamstrings - Injury Treatment and Hamstring Stretching Hip Pain - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a major cause of knee pain and knee injury. Shin Splints - Prevention and Treatment |
by Ruth Werner
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