Athletes of all ages often seek massages as part of their conditioning to prevent future injuries, but is it safe to get a massage while recovering from a sports injury? The answer depends on the stage of healing they are in. Let’s look at when a sports massage may be harmful versus when it will be beneficial for athletes.
Massage therapy is one of the earliest methods of healthcare that we still practice today. While many people now look at a massage to wind down or relax, there are still medical conditions that benefit by being treated with massage therapy.
After the year we’ve had, everyone is carrying a bit more anxiety than they’re used to. As pandemic restrictions continue to lift and more people are getting vaccinated, daily life is bound to resume some form of normal sooner than later. While some may jump for joy at the opportunity to get back into the office and resume their social calendar, many people may struggle with new and recurring feelings of generalized anxiety. It’s important to know that you are not alone — that everyone has braved unprecedented times — and that it’s okay to take readjustment slowly. Part of taking time to readjust slowly is making sure to take the time for self-care. You may have developed coping techniques at home during quarantine, but in-person treatments are becoming more and more accessible.
If you have a pinched nerve, then there’s a good chance that massage therapy can help alleviate your symptoms. This is because muscle tension, which is readily alleviated by massage therapy, is sometimes the cause of the pressure that leads to the pinched nerve in the first place. However, you must always check with your doctor before participating in massage therapy, as you don’t want to inadvertently exacerbate the problem.
Poor posture is the number one cause of pain in the neck and back, according to experts. When posture is imperfect, the body is not aligned properly. This forces muscles to work harder than they need to, eventually leading to the muscles in the neck and back weakening. Fortunately, massage therapy can improve posture and help your body get back on the right track.