Massage Therapy for Crossfit Athletes

Mobility and movement are the essential building blocks to CrossFit. Without proper movement and mobility we find ourselves unable to perform the CrossFit movements with full range of motion and pain free. There are many facets to mobility and one is ensuring that we keep our muscles in tip-top shape to keep us moving well. A great way to do that is to incorporate regular massage therapy into our training program.

Benefits of massage therapy:

 

◾Improves blood and lymph circulation

◾Improves flexibility, lengthening of fascia and muscle which increases range of motion and has the added benefit of making your muscles look more toned

◾Decreases inflammation

◾Improves respiratory functions

◾Stimulates the immune system

◾Improves lymphatic movement to break up and release toxins and helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints and tendons

◾Decreases stress and anxiety

Self Myofascial Release

 

To a lesser degree, this offers the same benefits as massage but you can do it at home on your own. Think of it as “maintenance work” that you can do in between your massage therapy sessions.  The most common tools used are a Foam Roller and a Tennis Ball or a Lacrosse ball.  Just ask us how to use them and I’ll demonstrate them for you.  Highly recommended to make them part of your daily routine. 

Massages don’t just feel great, they also provide excellent recovery assistance for CrossFit athletes. Getting a regular massage once a month or more can help you reduce soreness and risk of injury while increasing mobility so you can perform better.

During high intensity exercise, lactic acid and general toxins from acidity increase in your muscles. Your body can naturally clear lactic acid and toxins with time and rest, however massage can help expedite the process, especially when you are working out often. 

The best times to get a massage:

•At least 45 minutes after you have completed your WOD for the day.

•During recovery periods – rest days or deload weeks.

•3 days before a competition or race. This will help improve your range of motion and mobility for your competition.

•After a competition or race to help you recover quickly.

Getting the most out of your massage

You may find that your muscles are sore the next 24 – 48 hours after a massage. Some ways that you can help your body recover and get the most benefits from your massage include:

•Drinking lots of water before and after your massage. Being properly hydrated assists lymphatic drainage and blood flow.

•Using heat packs or having a warm bath with Epsom salts reduces muscle tenderness.

•Get a good night of sleep.

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Essential Oil

Essential Oils

Wave Crest Massage Therapy uses only high grade essential oils and oil enhanced products. Essential oils are the world’s most powerful medicinals.

 Essential oils have been revered for centuries for their restorative properties of the body, mind and spirit. These pure essential oils are rapidly returning to our daily lives as a more holistic way of dealing with the challenging lifestyles of today.

Wave Crest Massage Therapy carries many of the more popular Young Living oil products and can assist you in enrolling so you may take advantage of 24% off the retail price of these high grade products.

If you have tried essential oils and did not experience an emotional shift or a physical healing you may not have been using therapeutic grade essential oil.  In this event, I invite you to give Young Living a try.  You won’t be disappointed!

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Massage Therapy Techniques

Massage Therapy Techniques

Currently, the most effective massage techniques that massage chairs are designed to try to be like are that of Shiatsu and Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is characteristic of long gliding strokes and kneading motions. This type of massage aims at fostering proper and strong circulation. A good hands-on massage can play a crucial role in alleviating back pain. Similarly, a good massage chair is designed to provide some measure of pain relief and relaxation, however, without the need for person-to-person interaction. Getting a massage in the privacy of home, along with convenience and time efficiency, are the major reasons why some are opting to go with a massage chair as a potential means to ease their back pain.
Massage improves venous and lymphatic flow—manipulating muscles increases blood flow. Increasing blood flow facilitates the circulation and absorption of nutritional elements into the muscles and tissues. Increasing lymphatic circulation clears toxins out of these areas. Together, this revitalizes the massaged area.

Shiatsu tends to use pressing, sweeping, patting, rolling, and rotating movements. The defining characteristic of Shiatsu is its focus on releasing tension in specific locations of the body.

Benefits of Massage Therapy and Massage Chairs

Comprehensive research has demonstrated that there are three central reasons why massage is beneficial:

Massage therapy decreases tension and improves flexibility - massaging helps loosen tight and strained muscles. Stretching and kneading problem areas allow muscles to relax as well.
Massage therapy increases endorphin levels - possibly the most beneficial aspect of massage. Endorphins are the 'feel good' chemicals that run through the body - increasing their levels induces positive results. Among other benefits, increasing endorphin levels has been correlated with quicker recovery, reduced pain, and reduced anxiety.

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