So how does massage help “tired” muscles?

Many clients come to our clinics a few days after vigorous work outs or competing in sporting competition because their legs feel tried or heavy.  These clients often book a sports massage, but is their any scientific evidence to explain what is happening in the body during the treatment?

Massage dilates superficial blood vessels and increases the rate of blood flow.  In addition if a deeper pressure is used like in sports or deep tissue massage on a healthy adult it improves the venous return.  Both of these changes to the blood flow represent a potent means to accelerate healing.  For example, it suggests that massage should improve the performance of fatigued muscles.  In addition, Goats asserts that massaged muscle fibres display less spasm, an increased force of contraction and enhanced endurance compared with muscles simply rested.  Which suggests that massage will assist in the improvement of sporting performance where it has been compromised.

References

Scull CD (1945) Massage – Physiologic Basis.  Archive of Physical Medicine 26: 159-67

Wilkins RW, Halperin MH, Litter J. (1950)  The effects of various physical procedures on circulation in human limbs.  Ann Intern Med 33: 1232-45

Goats GC (1994) Massage – the scientific basis of an ancient art: part 2.  Physiological and therapeutic effects Br J Sp Med 28(3)

Related Posts

  • Reflexology and Pain Management – Part 1

    Pain is a fact of life, it is a necessary part of being human.  Pain is a universal experience that serves the vital function of triggering avoidance. Pain is not a simple sensory experience, it can occur even in the absence of tissue damage. It involves emotional, social and cognitive beliefs. The four pillars of pain include

    1. Peripheral nervous system or the movement system
    2. Autonomic system, composing the sympathetic, parasympathetic, hormonal and visceral systems
    3. Central nervous system
    4. Psycho-emotional aspects, such as stress, anxiety, fear, social life and memory of pain.
    Physiological pain acts as a warning of actual or potential tissue damage and is usually transient.  It may be accompanied by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.  Physiological pain of pathological origin results from tissue damage.  Tissue damage causes the release of neurotransmitters into the bloodstream creating inflammation, which can produce redness, swelling, and heat and further enhance the pain experience.  The area may also be sensitised, stimulating further neurochemical output and resulting in an ongoing cycle of pain - referred to as chronic pain. A growing evidence base for reflexology in pain management.  It is not yet fully understood how reflexology helps manage pain, although current opinion suggests it works on the neurological system through the release of endogenous opioids*. So if you are in pain, why not book a reflexology treatment.   * Sources Stephenson NLN and JA Dalton (2003).  Using Reflexology for pain management; a review, Journal of Holistic Nursing 21(2) pg 179 - 191 Mackereth P (2005) An explanation of therapeutic outcomes of reflexology and relaxation interventions for people with multiple sclerosis, University of Mancherster  

  • What can help my sciatica?

    Sciatica is pain in the lower back through the hip, thigh,  knee to the leg caused by an irritated sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve which runs from the [...]

  • Are you taking blood pressure medication if so read on …

    Globally more than 10 million people die each year from conditions related to high blood pressure.  In clinic we notice that high blood pressure medication is one of the most common medications that are clients take (outside the contraceptive pill). The Hygia Chronotherapy trail, looked at 19,084 Caucasian Spanish men and women over a period of 6 years.  Patients were split into two groups, with one asked to take their high blood pressure medication in the morning and one in the evening. The patients that took their blood pressure medication before bedtime are 66% less likely to die from heart and circulatory conditions, according to the researchers. Experts believe a person’s circadian rhythm or “body clock” can change the effect of the medication.  The study found that blood pressure dipped lower at night in those who took the medication before bed compared to those who took it in the morning. Researchers say that further studies looking at people of different ethnicities should take place before doctors change their advice to patients on when to take blood pressure medication. Reference https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehz754/5602478