The results confirm that massage therapy can reduce inflammation, if administered correctly through professional massage therapists, however, you may find that simply performing light exercise will reduce inflammation more effectively.
Regular massages can help with the inflammation, improve fluid build-up and circulation. Lymphatic massage and petrissage are two massage techniques that support chronic inflammatory conditions because they promotes improved drainage of fluids from the tissues.
Deep tissue massage will work out the knots from stressed, overworked muscles and connective tissue (fascia) to alleviate immediate pain, as well as chronic joint and muscle pain. It also promotes faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Feb. 1, 2012 -- There may be more to love about massage than just the "ahhhhh." A new study shows that kneading muscles after hard exercise decreases inflammation and helps your muscles recover.
By altering signaling pathways involved with the inflammatory process, massage may decrease secondary injury, nerve sensitization, and collateral sprouting, resulting in increased recovery from damage and reduction or prevention of pain.
CONCLUSION: Massage speeds up muscle healing by activating molecules that reduce inflammation and promote mitochondrial growth. IMPLICATION: Most pain medications may be replaced by massage therapy since it blunts muscle pain by the same biological mechanisms.
The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects: Increase in blood and lymph circulation. Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.
Inflammation starts within the first hour or two after injury, peaks within 1-3 days but lasts at least a couple of weeks. This phase is when you will experience swelling and some heat around your injury. This is entirely normal and a natural part of your body's tissue healing process.
Buck Institute for Research on Aging. "Massage reduces inflammation and promotes growth of new mitochondria following strenuous exercise, study finds." ScienceDaily.
You should also hold off on deep tissue massages if you're pregnant. Gentler types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option. If you have an open wound or skin infection of any kind, you'll need to reschedule to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.
Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes) Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores) Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke) Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)
In summary, stretching decreased acute inflammation (in vivo), reduced neutrophil migration (ex vivo), and increased connective tissue pro-resolving mediators (in vivo and ex vivo).
Turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger all contain curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Some research has shown that curcumin may decrease inflammatory markers after exercise. Taking a curcumin supplement or incorporating turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger into a healthful diet may help relax the muscles.
Your skin is clear.
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and when inflammation is out of control, it can rise to the surface in the form of skin problems like acne, rashes, eczema, and more. Clear skin is a sign that inflammation has begun to cool down.
Inflammation damages the muscle fibers, which causes weakness, and may affect the arteries and blood vessels that pass through muscle. Other symptoms include fatigue after walking or standing, frequent episodes of tripping or falling, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Ice helps reduce inflammation and numb pain, whereas heat helps relax muscles and stiff joints. While heat helps improve circulation and blood flow, ice reduces blood flow thereby reducing inflammation and swelling.
Massage is like exercise: It forces blood into your muscles, bringing nutrients and removing toxins. This process can temporarily increase inflammation (the healing response) to areas that the body feels need attention. This inflammation can bring discomfort.
To keep your body in good condition and maintain health, we recommend getting a massage every 3-4 weeks. This will help to prevent injury, pain, and tension build-up in the muscle fibers, as well as address any other issue before it becomes serious.
It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.