Your Sports Guy Online

Tag: massage therapy

  • Lymphedema Products

    Lymphedema Products

    Lymphedema treatments include:

    1. Exercises 

    Light exercises that move the affected limb may encourage fluid drainage and help prepare the body for everyday tasks. The exercises should not be strenuous or tiresome but should focus on gentle contraction of the muscles.

    • Wrapping the affected limb

    When the entire limb is bandaged, it encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of the body. Bandages should be tightest around fingers or toes and loosen as it moves up the arm or leg.

    • Massage

    A special massage technique called manual lymph drainage may encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of your arm or leg. Additional various massage treatments such as massage guns or massage chairs may be helpful as well. Make sure to contact a physician before deciding on which techniques work best.

    • Pneumatic compression 

    Includes a sleeve that is worn over affected arm or leg that will connect to a pump that sporadically inflate the sleeve, putting pressure on the limb to move lymph fluid away from fingers or toes.

    • Compression garments

    Long sleeves or socks made to compress the arm or leg to encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of affected area. 

    • Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

    This approach involves combining therapies with lifestyle changes. CDT is not usually recommended for people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, paralysis, heart failure, blood clots or acute infections. Check with a physician.

    Is massage good for lymphedema?

    Massage treatment can benefit a patient with lymphedema. Although, deep tissue massage could potentially be too heavy for someone with lymphedema.  There are certified lymphedema therapists (CLT) and, some physical or massage therapists have had oncology and pathology training.

    Lymphedema refers to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid within one area, also known as swelling.  Gentle massage encourages movement of lymph fluids throughout the body in a specialized lymphedema massage.

    One solution may also be to look into massage chairs as an alternative therapy that could save time and money over the long haul.  A good massage chair should be designed to provide some measure of pain relief and relaxation without the need for person-to-person interaction and, some have the option of controlling the intensity. Some people would agree that opting to go with a massage chair as a potential means to ease their chronic pain allows the user to get a massage in the privacy of their home, on their time, and on their own schedule.   

    Massage therapy increases endorphin levels – conceivably the most valuable aspect of massage. Endorphins are the ‘feel good’ chemicals that run through the body, increasing their levels, inducing positive results. Among other benefits, increasing endorphin levels has been associated with swifter recovery, reduced pain and reduced anxiety. 

    While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, studies have found massage may also be helpful to:

    1.         Lessen depression and anxiety

    2.         Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow

    3.         Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin

    4.         Increase joint flexibility

    5.         Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation

    6.         Paresthesia and nerve pain

    7.         Reduce spasms and cramping

    8.         Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller

    9.         Arthritis

    10.       Relieve migraine pain 

    Why does massage help lymphedema?

    Lymphatic drainage is a specialized, gentle type of medical massage. It may be used as part of your lymphoedema treatment. The aim is to encourage the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area, so it can drain normally. It also helps lymph fluid drain through the healthy lymph vessels.

    The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

    People can develop lymphedema as a result of infections, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, and any condition that damages the lymphatic system.

    Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).

    Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit people who are experiencing the following:

    1. Lymphedema
    2. Fibromyalgia
    3. Swelling or edema
    4. Skin disorders
    5. Fatigue
    6. Insomnia
    7. Stress
    8. Digestive problems
    9. Arthritis
    10. Migraine episodes

    Negative Effects of Massage Therapy on Lymphedema

    If massage therapy is applied to lymphedematous tissues, an increase in swelling may result. Massage causes an increase in arterial blood flow where applied, resulting in more water accumulating in those spaces. Due to mechanical insufficiency inherent in lymphedema, the lymphatic system will not be able to manage the additional water load. 

    Research shows that, depending on the severity of symptoms, some sufferers may initially experience some pain from the massage. However, it is essential to note that healing is a process; massage therapy will produce the sought-after long-term positive results with some patience. Steadily increased pressure over time is an ideal protocol. Premium massage chairs for home use would provide the ease and frequency of access as well as pressure control, which would be a perfect option for many who suffer.  

    Talk to a healthcare provider first before considering massage for lymphedema; ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost and type, and the insurance coverage if any.  Despite its benefits, massage is not meant to replace regular medical care, and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans already in place. 

  • Are massage chairs good after a workout?

    Are massage chairs good after a workout?

    Massage therapy can induce improvement to circulation and breathing and has also been proven to help heal faster after training. As a result, the soft tissues of the muscles become stronger and healthier and create a more effective training and a faster recovery time between training sessions.

    massage chairs

    Benefits of massage after workout

    Benefits of massage after exercise include but are not limited to:

    • Decrease in pain
    • Improves recovery: Massage after strenuous exercise or from injuries to the muscles improves recovery. Massage improves blood flow, which assists healing to the damaged and/or affected areas. If there are minor injuries the lesions can be repaired quickly as well as effectively. Not only does massage quicken the recovery, but it also works to prevent injuries so that future training sessions are not unproductive, allowing for a quicker return to the activity.
    • Prevents DOMS

    What are doms?

    “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” (DOMS) usually occurs several hours after exercise and is painful, producing stiffness in your muscles, usually occurring after starting a new exercise program.

    • Massage post-workout can also provide many benefits for reduced tension, a more effective removal of waste products, an increased range of movement, and an overall improved feeling of relaxation.
    • Massage after a workout helps by increasing blood flow as fresh blood is pumped to the muscles in need, repairing any damaged tissues by carrying nutrients to be fixed quickly.
    • Often, exercise can be exhausting and have psychological effects on the body. However, regular post-exercise massage has shown to decrease depression, elevate moods, reduce anxiety and motivate the body to return to a normal exercise routine.

    Do massage chairs help recovery?

    Whether it is an in-person massage or a massage chair for home use, a post-workout massage will most certainly improve recovery. So yes, massage chairs are helpful to recovery!

    What are the benefits of massage chairs?

    1. Convenience: Accessibility that meets the needs for scheduling as well as duration. A post-workout massage for as little as 10 minutes is effective in improving recovery and reducing inflammation. 
    2. Relaxation: Stress-reducing benefits are immediate and quite like a good workout, the muscular compressions provided by a massage chair also results in increased endorphins within the body. The feel-good hormones produced are a healthy way to reduce stress on the brain and body.
    3. Improve Post Workout Recovery
    4. Reduce Back Pain: Many home massage chairs have options that focus on specific areas of the body, such as lumbar massage to increase circulation and mobility in the low back, going a long way towards improving low back pain resulting from muscular overuse and instability.
    5. Boosting Immunity: Inflammation after a workout is scientifically an immune response. If it is working overtime, the reduction of cytokines from the massage may improve that response, also assisting in cellular function and repair important to the immune system. So whether it is a cold or if it relates to battling a more severe immune issue, frequent massages at home in a massage chair might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

    You Can Even Get a Chair Massage Before Working Out

    Though most of this article is about getting a chair massage after a workout, using it beforehand can be beneficial, too. Massages help your muscles loosen up. This loosening can be of particular convenience if you are sore before going into a workout.

    You might think that working out with sore muscles is an effective way to get in shape. But, rather, muscles that are relaxed and rejuvenated tend to perform better in the gym. For that reason, feel free to use your massage chair both before and after workouts.

    In fact, that is one great thing about getting a massage chair that has a variety of settings. Take the time to figure out which kind of chair massage helps you relax before or after a workout then go into your next fitness regime, ready to be active and mobile.

    A Chair Massage Can Help Lower Blood Pressure After a Workout

    The circulation system can benefit from massage, too. When you work out, your heart has to keep up with the activity. So it is pumping blood a little bit harder to ensure the muscles get plenty of oxygen while they are being pushed and strained.

    Well, getting a massage after working out can help with that. Lower your blood pressure after a workout to ensure your heart returns to normal. This relaxing time after proper exercise is going to become an essential part of your health routine.

    Massages Can Help with Flexibility, Too

    When our muscles are more relaxed, they can be pushed and stretched that much further. To be specific, using a massage chair on a regular basis can help enhance your body’s flexibility, another reason it might be in your best interest to use the massage chair before as well as after working out. If you have flexibility training coming up, you’re going to want your muscles to be free from any soreness or fatigue, which is helpful in getting that new yoga pose just right.

    Whether you’re getting a massage from a chair or a professional, the results are the same. Massages are known to help release toxins that build up in our muscle system.

    In fact, that is why the practice of massage has been around for thousands of years. People recognize the health and wellness benefits and continue to want that level of relaxation. 

    Best Massage Chairs

    Z-Smart Massage Chair Plus

    Quality massage chair companies like….

    1. Slabway
    2. Zarifa
    3. Infinity
    4. OskaI

    Pre Workout Massage VS Post Workout Massage

    Pre-Workout

    A massage before working out allows muscles to get warmed up and stretched out to be more flexible, helping to get in the right frame of mind to start the workout.

    A study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that the psychological benefits of a pre-workout massage, including reduced stress, tension, and anxiety leaves one more relaxed and focused on getting the best results from the workout.

    The massage should be gentle with light strokes and not deep tissue, which, if done pre-workout, could cause muscle soreness and tightness before even beginning.

    Post-workout

    Receiving a massage once you’ve finished working out helps reduce muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and reduces your recovery time by speeding up cell recovery.

    The answer is there are considerable benefits to having a massage both before and after a workout. Be especially certain to get the correct type of massage to set the body up for true success.

    Can you overuse a massage chair?

    Excessive use is known to lead to muscle damage, inflammation and bruised tissues, in addition to causing harm to the internal massage chair motor. So, take it slow and easy with your massage chair, especially when you’re using it for the first time. The cost of overuse does not outweigh any perceived benefit.

    Many massage chairs have the ability to stretch and knead the problem areas where muscles are too tight, and relaxing them will help calm down the skeletal structure. It is warned, though, that excessive use of massage chairs leads to muscle damage, inflammation and bruised tissues, in addition to causing harm to the internal massage chair motor. 

    It is worthy to note and be aware of the following list of contradictions for massage therapy:

    • Infectious skin disease
    • A rash
    • An unhealed wound
    • Immediately after surgery
    • A tendency to form blood clots or if using blood thinners
    • Circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins
    • Inflamed or infected injuries
    • Areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage
    • At the sites of recent fractures, sprains, or bruises
    • Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy
    • Osteoporosis (use caution)

    Work with a Professional When Implementing New Health and Wellness Practices

    Of course, prior to starting any new form of treatment it is imperative to talk to a doctor. If there is chronic pain, numbness, or tingling, always consult a physician. A doctor can determine the cause of pain and prescribe the right treatment therapies.