The Importance Of Massage For Runners

You’ve got your race number and your gear – but as you prepare for a marathon, Tuff Mudder or other sporting event, remember to add massage to your preparation kit. Here are a few reasons why.

Massage prevents injury
When you run, your tendons, ligaments and connective tissue are being stretched – literally – to their limits. Massage expands those limits by breaking up knots and tightness, thus widening your range of motion. Increased flexibility will improve your running form, and you’ll be less likely to sprain or strain something important during your sports event.
Maybe you’ve already hurt yourself? Massage to the rescue. Massage has been proven to boost the immune system and speed up lymph flow (that’s the liquid containing your muscle-repairing white blood cells). That means massage will help you heal up and recover faster from your assorted aches and pains.

Massage reduces muscle soreness
 This is a big one for runners. When you’re racing up to 26.2 miles, your muscles work hard. That’s where massage comes in – it’s the scientifically-proven way to reduce post-run muscle soreness. Massage, according to the New York Times, suppresses inflammation (which causes muscle pain) and increases blood circulation and the formation of new blood vessels (which builds muscles and reduces muscle fatigue). For best results, get the massage within 24 hours after a long run.

Massage keeps you in the zone

Massage doesn’t just heal the body, it soothes the mind. Massage squashes the release of cortisol (aka the stress hormone), while pumping up the release of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce the sensation of pain. A less-stressed brain is better at sending signals to the muscles and vice versa (called biofeedback). This means that you’ll feel better mentally and, through the mind-body connection, perform better physically.

Make the most of your massage
For best results, work with a licensed massage therapist with experience in sports massage. Many sports massage therapists are runners and athletes themselves.
Communication is key too. Tell your therapist about your exercise routine, race history, and any particular pains, injuries, or conditions you have.
While massage is restorative at any time, timing can maximize its benefits for your body. A regular schedule while training is best – whether that’s once a month or once a week. You should also plan on getting a massage three or four days before the marathon. After the race, a light massage within 24 hours is great for reducing soreness.

Tip:

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 

If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.  https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage  

#cortisol  #endorphins  #flexibility  #marathon  #musclepain  #running form  #sportsmassage  #triathlon  #tuffmudder

Massage for Health and Wellbeing

How Can a Massage Help My Health and Wellbeing? 

Aside from the fact that it’s a completely decadent and relaxing way to spend an hour, getting a massage is actually good for your health. When you take the time to book regular massages, you are taking the time to care for your body and your wellbeing. There are numerous positive side effects to massage that affect your entire physical being.

What Does Massage Therapy Help?

Massages are great for those who suffer from ailments that cause you to feel less than perfect. In fact, you might be surprised to know that it assists those who suffer from frequent headaches, sciatica, sore muscles, tension, mild anxiety, and even back pain.

It is great for those women who are expecting a child and experiencing a great deal of bodily strain. It’s great for those who are suffering from depression and other forms of illness that affect their mood and happiness. It helps to ease discomfort, improve your mood, and make you feel like an entirely new person.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is ripe with benefits. Not only can it help to improve your circulation, it can also help to lower or ease your stress. Stress is one of the most common health issues you can suffer from. It can cause a myriad of other health issues, and eliminating it through massage is a great way to help you feel healthy and strong. Additionally, it can help you ease muscle pain and relax. This can help with injury and recovery from injury.

Common Types of Massage Therapy

While there are probably hundreds of different therapy types you can choose from – just look at any spa menu and see for yourself – there are a few that are common most everywhere you go. These forms of massage include the Swedish massage that uses deep circular motions and vibration to relax your body, deep tissue massages that use slow movement and deep targeting to help with injury, and sports massages that are used to treat and prevent injury from participating in sports or sports related activities.

Tip:

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 

If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.To schedule your next appointment, contact Roy at 

631-375-0962 or email at

roy@wavecrestmassage.com  

https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage 

https://www.wavecrestmassage.com

#anxiety  #backpain  #depression  #headaches  #sciatica  #stress  #tension  #wellbeing  #circulation 

PAIN IN THE BUTT

The gluteus muscles in your body are very important to a lot of daily movements and activities. These muscles are located in the buttocks, and can often benefit from a little TLC.

Some people get embarrassed when talking about a buttock massage because it’s such a personal area, but the reality is that you have a lot to gain by giving your butt muscles a little attention and helping them relax for a little while. Tight gluteus muscles can lead to a variety of different issues, including:

-Back pain

 -Leg stiffness

 -Pain in the hips and legs

 -Aches and pain in the buttocks

With a buttock massage, you can alleviate a lot of these issues, reduce the pain and stress that you are feeling, and get back to being comfortable in your daily life. Massaging just one part of your body will release “feel good” chemicals that affect the rest of your body, which means that it’s really about more than just your butt.

Everyday use, combined with the fact that a lot of people spend a lot of time sitting, leads to tension and stress in the gluteus muscles for many. This tension can lead to serious pain issues, discomfort, and a difficulty enjoying life because of all of the pain and stress that is going on.

Fortunately, with a buttock massage, you can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and give your whole body a relaxing, calming feel that will help you in many different ways.

Buttock Massage Benefits

When you are considering a buttock massage, keep in mind that it will:

-Improve your blood circulation. This can lead to improved nutrient delivery, better muscle function, improved immune system, and more. When your blood is circulating properly, it will give your body a chance to be healthier in many ways.

-Improve your muscle recovery time. When you use muscles, they need time to recover afterwards. Otherwise, they become tight, painful, and often can be strained or pulled. With a glute massage, you can improve your muscle health and know that they’re ready for everyday activities, sports, and more.

 

Buttocks massage techniques will also:

-Reduce pain and stress. Not only will this massage help alleviate the pain issues that you have in your glute muscles, but it will alleviate other issues throughout your body in many cases, as well. Sometimes people don’t realize that sympathetic pain is their problem.

For example, if your legs are constantly sore and tense, it might actually be related to your lower back or buttocks rather than stemming from your legs. Massage can reduce stress and alleviate pain in many areas of the body to keep things working like they should.

People have a lot to gain from massage therapy. This practice is becoming much more acceptable today and offering an alternative solution to stress and pain issues that some people have.

You should take the time to find licensed, trained professionals who can give you the relief that you need and make sure that you understand exactly what you’re getting from a massage therapy treatment.

A buttock massage isn’t for everyone, but it can provide relief when you are suffering from the types of issues listed here. 

Learn more about massage therapy and what it can do for your body and your stress level, because you might be surprised at how much you stand to gain. A buttock massage is just one of the many procedures that is being performed today, both on its own and as a part of full-body massage therapies, and it is something that has a lot of perks for people who suffer from pain or soreness issues as a result of strained, stressed gluteus muscles.

Tip.

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 

If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.  https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage   

 

#backpain  #buttockmassage  #glutealmassage  #hippain  #legpain  legstiffness  #lowbackpain

TUI NA - Chinese Medical Massage

TUI NA - Chinese Medical Massage

Tui Na is the oldest known system of massage. Originating in China, it is recorded in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine since 2300 B.C. as one of the five major therapies of the time. Tui Na has remained an organized and systematically developed system of massage since that time.

This Chinese therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along different energy channels of the body to establish harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body and bringing it back to balance. It works deeply with the positive energy of the body.  External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.

Many of the techniques used in this massage resemble that of a western massage 

like gliding, kneading, vibration, tapping, friction, pulling, rolling, pressing and shaking.

In Tui Na massage, the muscles and tendons are massaged with the help of hands, and an acupressure technique is applied to directly affect the flow of Qi at different acupressure points of the body, thus facilitating the healing process. It removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians as well as the muscles.

 The best part of the therapy is that it relaxes as well as energizes the person. The main benefit of Tui Na massage is that it focuses on the specific problem, whether it is an acute or a chronic pain associated with the joints, muscles or a skeletal system. This technique is very beneficial in reducing the pain of neck, shoulders, hips, back, arms, thighs, legs and ankle disorders. It is a very effective therapy for arthritis, pain, sciatica and muscle spasms. Other benefits of this massage therapy include alleviation of the stress related disorders like insomnia, constipation, headaches and other disorders related to digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.

The greatest advantage of Tui Na is that it focuses on maintaining overall balance with both physical and mental health. Tui Na massage therapy is now becoming a more common therapy method due to its focus on specific problems rather than providing a general treatment.

https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage?ref=hl

#Tuina  #Orientalmassage  #neckpain  #Backpain  #Headaches  #Qi  #insomnia  #physicalhealth  #mentalhealth  #stress  #acupressure 

Massage Therapy May Benefit Low Back Pain

In a study published in the February 2014 edition of Scientific World Journal, researchers investigated whether chronic low-back pain therapy with massage therapy alone was as effective as combining it with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. The study was conducted on 59 individuals divided into two groups, all of whom suffered from low-back pain and were diagnosed with degenerative changes of the spine, other intervertebral disc diseases or spine pain.

In both patient groups, the pain measured was significantly reduced and the level of disability showed significant improvement compared to the baseline. Researchers concluded massage had a positive effect on patients with chronic low-back pain and propose that the use of massage causes fast therapeutic results and that, in practice, it could help to reduce the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of chronic low-back pain.

¹ Majchrzycki M, Kocur P, Kotwicki T. Deep tissue massage and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain: a prospective randomized trial. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014; 287597.

Tip.

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state or through the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 

If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.  https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage

#lowbackpain  #chroniclowbackpain  #backpain 

 

Stay Fit With Massage Therapy

 

From beginner to Crossfit athletes to elite professionals, massage therapy has shown to have major benefits regardless of the participant's fitness level. Athletes seeking enhanced performance, improved conditioning, faster recovery, injury prevention and assistance in maintaining peak fitness can benefit from massage therapy.  Massage has been shown to have myriad positive effects including:

 

•Reducing muscle tension

•Helping athletes monitor muscle tone

•Promoting relaxation

•Increasing range of motion

•Improving soft tissue function

•Decreasing muscle stiffness and fatigue after exercise

•Improving exercise performance

•Decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness

•Reducing swelling

•Reducing breathing pattern disorders

•Enhancing athletic performance

•Helping prevent injuries

By combining your exercise routine with a massage therapy treatment, you will be able to train longer and harder and make the most of your workout. Not convinced? Research some of your favorite world-class athletes, and you're likely to see that a massage therapist is a key component of their strength and stamina routine.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.  https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage

 

#crossfit  #crossfitmassage  #sportsmassage  #medicalmassage  #massagelongisland  #relaxingmassage  #longislandmassage  #suffolkcountymassage

Your Immune System May Knead Massage Therapy

Finally - a reason to treat yourself to a massage, guilt-free. As massage therapy goes main-stream, medical researchers are uncovering more and more health benefits to lying down on the table. Because of these compelling benefits, it is time to consider massage therapy not as a luxury indulgence but as a form of medical treatment.

The benefits of massage are immediately obvious to anyone who's had one. A massage session calms you down, eases your anxieties, and even helps you sleep at night. Now a study, funded by the government's National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, finds that those sessions may help you ward off diseases, too.

 For a study published in the Journal of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, the authors recruited 53 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45 and divided them into two groups: one that received a traditional Swedish massage, and another that received a session of light touch meant to simulate a massage but without any actual massage-therapy techniques. The Swedish massages were all performed by certified massage therapists to ensure uniformity. Each participant had an IV inserted into one arm for the duration of the massage and for a few hours afterward. Blood was drawn at various intervals to measure levels of various hormones and immune-system markers.

The authors were working under the theory that massage increases the body's levels of oxytocin, or "the love hormone," which helps regulate levels of hormones related to stress. They found that that wasn't the case. People receiving the "light touch" treatment actually experienced higher levels of oxytocin than the massage recipients. But unlike the light-touch group, the massage recipients saw significant decreases in stress hormones and increases in the body's production of various cells that boost immune-system response.

A single massage could help boost your immune system and help you better cope with stress, even if you're not sick or stressed out. "I'm really intrigued by our findings," says Mark Hyman Rapaport, M.D., professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who adds that he was an "incredible skeptic" about the benefits of massage therapy before doing this study. "I always wondered, what does it do that so many people claim to feel better afterwards?" he says. "We're finding that biological changes do occur as a result of even a single session of massage, and that these changes may benefit even a healthy individual."

While it may be enough for most people to know that getting a massage makes them feel better, regardless of what the biological effects are, Dr. Rapaport says that his findings could help advance the use of massage therapy in traditional medicine, which would be good news for people looking for more options to treat their medical complaints. "Based on data that have come out of a number of the surveys, a majority of Americans would rather go to an alternative practitioner than a physician and would prefer to have an alternative to traditional care," he says. The few studies on massage therapy that have been done have focused on specific complaints, such as back pain or anxiety, he says, but his research suggests that the therapy could be beneficial to people suffering from a wider range of immune-system disorders.

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 

If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.  https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage

#immunesystem  #massage  #anxiety  #alternativemedicine  #disease  #swedishmassage  #oxytocin  #lovehormone  #immunesystemdisorder