Benefits of self massage

 There is nothing I enjoy more than a really good deep tissue massage.  Unfortunately this often comes with a price tag.  However, there are lots of benefits to massage after exercise. 

You also don't have to pay for a professional massage each time, although very nice to treat yourself to a deep tissue or sports massage occasionally or if you are injured.

There are plenty of tools and equipment out there to help you massage your muscles at home so you can start feeling the benefits of post workout massage on a regular basis. 

What are the benefits of post workout massage?

• Help loosen tight muscles and restore some flexibility. 
• Decrease inflammation caused by exercise - compared by some to the relief you get from some pain medications.
• Increase the production of mitochondria cells in the muscles - they use oxygen and other nutrients to generate energy needed by cells. 
• Encourage blood flow back to the heart, which in turn delivers fresh oxygen and nutrients and helps remove waste products and toxins. 
• A relaxing massage can help lower the heart rate following a workout.

I remember when my Dad was receiving physiotherapy after his stroke.  He would work his muscles really hard trying to learn to move and walk again.   He would complete a session and be helped back to bed.  He would then suffer from horrific cramps.  I taught my mum how to help his stretch our his muscles and massage them to help him recover from the workout.  It made a huge difference and meant he was in a lot less pain. 

There are plenty of guides to massage available on the internet, you can massage yourself with your hands (where you can reach) but there are also useful tool readily available that can.  I use a foam roller and a set of massage balls that have varying levels of hardness.  

I use the foam roller to loosen up wider areas such as my back, legs, calves, etc.  and use the massage balls to target specific areas such as a knot in my back, get a deeper massage into my glutes or to work my feet.  

I love the feel of a deep massage and I feel that it helps me prevent injury, particularly as I can suffer from a bad back at times.  Foam rolling and massage balls can help me keep my back muscles loose and maintain my freedom of movement. 

Sources
https://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/massage-improves-post-workout-recovery
http://www.healthfitnessmag.com/Health-Fitness-Magazine/February-2013/Benefits-Of-Massage-For-Athletes/
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1075649/ways-massage-helps-your-workout