A groundbreaking new US study has shown that massage can aid in the repair of muscles after injury.
Researchers from Colorado Sate University of Kentucky showed that in rats, massage improved protein production in cells, causing muscle to grown faster.
In the paper published in November's issue of the Journal of Physiology, the researchers also demonstrated that muscle in an opposite, uninjured leg can be stimulated to grow faster by massaging the injured leg. "If you injured one leg and couldn't massage it because of of that injury, we now have evidence suggesting that massaging the other non-injured leg could lead to benefits in the injured leg" said Karyn Hamilton, a faculty member in CSU's Department of Heath and Exercise Science.
The research team is now beginning similar studies using human participants.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
We have recently added deep tissue massage to our menu, due to more clients needing a deeper massage due to muscle tension and stress.
What is the difference between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm strokes and pressure to ease and release tension deep in your muscles, similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension, the focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage helps to reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Deep tissue massage is a particularly effective massage for people with muscular pain. It helps to refresh and relax muscles, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow around your body. This gets rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles, which helps them to strengthen and heal.
Often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused, relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body, and can also break down scar tissue and "knots" deep in the muscles.
The aim of deep tissue massage is to tackle particular physical, muscular problems.
You may feel a bit sore, or tired after a deep tissue massage though, so give yourself plenty of time to get there and get settled, and to have a lie-down or a shower afterwards. Any discomfort should go away within a few hours.
It is really important to drink plenty of water to continue to flush out the toxins in the muscles.
To find more at http://www.beautyavenue.co.uk/massage