What is Deep Tissue?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Is more effective VS simply relaxing.
DO YOU NEED A SPORTS MASSAGE?
There is not one athlete that sports massages are directed towards. This type of massage benefits anyone from an occasional jogger to a professional athlete. This is because sports massage therapy is tailored to the sport and the athlete. During a sports massage, the therapist at Restorative Massage Therapy focuses on parts of the body that are repetitively stressed and overworked.
What is therapeutic massage?
Regardless of your athleticism, you have to train your muscles and tissues to perform in the ways you want them to, which can ultimately lead to pain and soreness. This is a minor setback, but it doesn’t change the fact that it temporarily impedes your training process.
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Therapeutic massage is commonly used in athletes whose muscles may have experienced extended periods of overuse. It helps in loosening up any tight areas and making recovery quicker and easier – so you can get back on track to accomplishing your end goal. Contact RESTORATIVE MASSAGE THERAPY today to figure out how therapeutic massage can help you!
Your soft tissues and you:
Your muscles are made up of many small, thin fibers that contract on command, working together to mobilize your muscle groups. These muscles are attached to your bones by connective tissues, called tendons, enabling them to move your body parts. Your bones are then connected by tough bands of connective tissue, called ligaments, for added stability. Your ligaments are covered by yet another connective tissue called fascia. All of these connective tissues can be referred to as “soft tissues.”
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Soft tissues help in mobilizing your joints and give your body the strength it needs to perform tasks. Your soft tissues provide you with the ability to do many things; however, they also limit you from pushing yourself too far – even if that’s your intention. These can be damaged by certain stresses, especially those caused by the repeated actions within athletic activity. A tear in the tendon can lead you with a significant amount of swelling and inflammation. Many athletes also experience sprains, which is caused by a ligament stretching farther than intended.
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These injuries may occur in response to the intensity of your sport, but they can also occur if muscles simply are too tight before you begin one of your workouts. Therapeutic massage can help with this, as it loosens up the muscles, and may even prevent some of these injuries from occurring.
Sports Massage
Sports massage at Restorative Massage Therapy is geared toward all kinds of athletes, from professionals to weekend-warriors. The technique is specific to the athlete’s sport of choice, and focuses on areas of the body that are overused and placed under excessive stress. Different from deep tissue or relaxation massage, the sports massage addresses specific structures including the fascia, muscle, joint capsules, and nerves in a systematic way to increase pliability and range of motion, as well as allow for an increase in the ability to strengthen and activate specific muscles.
How therapeutic massage will improve your performance:
Therapeutic massage promotes tissue healing, so you can get back to your sport of choice as quickly as possible. Sports massage therapy can also be used before you even begin your rigorous exercise regimen, targeting the specific muscles and tissues that see the most use for your sport. By working to mobilize, loosen, and relax these muscles before you train, you can help them stay limber throughout the process. This will decrease your risk of strains, sprains, and ruptures.
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Your soft tissues work hard to make sure your body is functioning correctly, so it is important to help optimize their health and function. If you are an athlete looking for therapeutic massage services, request an appointment with our professional licensed massage therapist. The therapist is happy to discuss our massage service with you and how it will benefit your physical performance. Your sport is important to you – we want to help get you back in the game!
Post Surgery Massage: Accelerating Postoperative Recovery
Post Op Massage Benefits
Undergoing surgery can be a traumatic event for the body, often introducing a cascade of inflammatory responses, tissue trauma, and sometimes prolonged discomfort. However, incorporating post surgery massage into the recovery protocol can offer a range of benefits:
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Reduced Swelling
One of the primary advantages of massage after surgery, especially lymphatic massage, is the reduction of post-surgical edema or swelling. By promoting lymphatic drainage, the body can more efficiently eliminate excess fluid from the surgical site.
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Pain Management
The gentle manipulation of tissues around the surgical site can alleviate pain and discomfort. Moreover, massage promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, further enhancing pain relief.
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Enhanced Circulation
Improved blood flow is pivotal after surgery; massage can help ensure that oxygen-rich blood reaches healing tissues, fostering quicker tissue repair and reducing the risk of complications.
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Scar Tissue Management
While surgical incisions can sometimes lead to the formation of scar tissue, a skilled post op massage therapist can employ techniques that help in breaking down this tissue, resulting in softer, more pliable scars.
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Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Beyond the physical benefits, the calming ambiance of a massage session can mitigate post-surgical anxiety, contributing to overall well-being and a positive recovery experience.
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When Can I Get a Massage After Surgery?
The decision to integrate post surgery massage into one's recovery regimen raises an essential question: when is it safe to begin? The timing can vary depending on the type of surgery, the individual's health status, and the advice of their medical professionals.
Immediate Postoperative Period
Generally, massage isn't recommended in the initial days following surgery. The body is in an acute healing phase, and the surgical site may be too tender or vulnerable.
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Subacute Phase
Typically ranging from a few days to several weeks post-surgery, this phase witnesses a decline in pain and swelling. Gentle lymphatic massages can be introduced during this period, especially if swelling is a concern. It's essential, however, to ensure that the incision site is adequately healed to avoid complications.
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Chronic Phase
This phase starts several weeks after surgery and can extend for months. The pain and swelling have substantially decreased, and the risk of complications from massage is minimal. Deeper massage techniques can be introduced to manage scar tissue and improve mobility, always ensuring no discomfort is experienced.
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As always, consult with your surgeon or primary care provider before seeking a post op massage. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific surgical procedure and recovery status.
The Bottom Line
The journey to recovery post-surgery can be daunting, filled with discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility. Yet, the therapeutic embrace of a post surgery massage offers a glimmer of comfort and accelerated healing. So whether you're looking to manage post-surgical swelling, alleviate pain, or ensure your scars heal with minimal tissue buildup, a skilled post op massage therapist can be an invaluable ally in your recuperation journey.
Get in Touch
Serving Ocoee | Windermere | Orlando | Winter Garden | Clermont | Winter Park | Hamlin | Independence
727-710-7167