Walk It Off

Improved circulation and relief of muscle soreness are claims that are often heard when discussing the benefits of massage. However, the science has never really been able to validate such claims, until now. A recent study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago showed that massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise.

“Our study validates the value of massage in exercise and injury, which has been previously recognized but based on minimal data,” said Nina Cherie Franklin, UIC postdoctoral fellow in physical therapy and first author of the study. “It also suggests the value of massage outside of the context of exercise.”

You may be thinking to yourself, “Big deal, I already assumed this, now it’s been proven anyway, so what.” Well, it is a big deal to us in the sense that we can confidently validate what we are actually doing versus the wild speculations that surround the various myths of massage therapy.

One may think this solidifies the idea that all marathoners should be getting a massage post marathon. Nope. Regardless of the study, my professional opinion on post-race massages still holds true. If you have never run a marathon, you can’t imagine how painful a massage can feel on your legs. The last thing most runners want is someone to touch them. Although it may help improve fluid dynamics, it may also cause enough discomfort for the runner to start to cramp and seize up. Unless you are an elite athlete, I continue to encourage runners to keep moving instead. You can achieve virtually the same results from a massage by continued movement, hydration and replenishing lost nutrients. Sometimes a post marathon massage or any massage, can even cause what is known as Post-massage soreness and malaise (PMSM), if done too aggressively. This can be caused by a mild form of rhabdomylosis (rhabdo).

Continuing to move can trigger what is known as EIA or Exercise Induced Analgesia. This will better allow your body to return to homeostasis or a balanced state. EIA is often recommended to many chronic pain patients as well.

A post-race massage is best utilized 3-4 days post marathon. The remaining fluids that are in the area that no longer need to be can be assisted out (they would eventually move out on their own), with a target massage session. Couple a massage with some light stretching and you will start to feel those legs regain some life.

I am a loud and vocal advocate for massage therapy, but more importantly, I am a champion for your own self-care. We are your support team, not your body mechanics. Good luck runners. See you at 26.3!

Ready to #feelbetter?

You're just a click away from a wicked good massage!

Book Now!

Change the Angle of Your Stretch!

Change the Angle of Your Stretch! We have all heard time and again that stretching is a great way to reduce the risk of injury as well as aid in recovery from a work out. So why is it that we still get injuries and our bodies feel sluggish, even when we stretch? The broad…

Read More

6 Stretches to Reduce Back Pain

6 Stretches to Reduce Back Pain At some point or another, we all have experienced some form of back pain. As I have explained in some of my previous posts, the degree or level of pain that is experienced is subjective to the individual based solely on their own neuro-signature. Simply put, no two people…

Read More

Life Hack: Under Pressure

Life Hack: Under Pressure When we think of a “hack” to something, we typically envision some unique way of doing something better and more efficiently than normal. However, some hacks can simply be a means of saving money, not just time. Last winter, we added some new construction to our home of 15 years. The…

Read More

Just Keep Moving

Just Keep Moving If you are sitting at your desk right now reading this, you may be wondering how it’s already September and summer is (un)officially over. The kids are back in school. Students from all over the globe have reentered our neighborhoods and roadways. The traffic suddenly seems to be more packed. Alas, another…

Read More

Have A Dose

Have A Dose The readers of this newsletter are all patients of The Boston Bodyworker, so there is no reason to try and “sell” you on the benefits of massage therapy. However, often we hear our guests struggle over expressing why they get a massage on a regular basis. It is our responsibility to not…

Read More

Life Hack: Wall Angels

Life Hack: Wall Angels So, while your boss is away, and the office is emptying out earlier and earlier as we reach the apex of summer time in Boston, you’re still grinding away making the most of this opportunity to get ahead. But wait, what is that pain you’re starting to feel between your shoulder…

Read More

Actions Triumph Words

Actions Triumph Words Over the years, we have all found certain quotes or guidance to motivate, lift and energize our spirit and those of others. I have so many favorites, but there are three in particular that I have been repeating to myself, my kids and even the kids I coach, more than any others…

Read More

Preach; Calories In vs. Calories Out

Preach; Calories In vs. Calories Out Summer time is the time of year when we typically want to look our best. Let’s face it, despite the fact that we live in a world that is openly less critical of body types and encourages us to see each other for what we do and how we…

Read More

Life Hack: 4th of July!

Life Hack: 4th of July! With the fourth of July just around the corner, we though you might enjoy some Red-White & Blue Homestyle life hacks that are fun, crafty and some are even edible! Check out these life hacks from our friends at BuzzFeed. My personal favorite is #16. Send us your creation if…

Read More

Why Run When You Can Sprint?

Why Run When You Can Sprint? Time and again, I hear from so many that the reason why they don’t work out more is because they don’t have time. Well, what If I told you that you can achieve the same health benefits of a 30-minute run in less than 60 seconds? REALLY! As the…

Read More