Therapeutic massage can speed up recovery - Tri-Town News

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Health&Fitness
By Michael Sheynin,
physical therapist

Some people associate massage with spa treatments designed only for relaxation and pampering. However, therapeutic massage in the hands of the physical therapists is a powerful tool that helps patients recover faster from sports injuries and various painful conditions.
When injury occurs, muscles in the surrounding area become tight and stop working properly.This leads to a decreased blood flow to the area and, because of that, soft tissues have trouble getting rid of various toxic substances and bringing in good nutrients to feed the muscles.This can lead to developing what is known as “trigger points†or “tender points†in the muscles. Besides being painful, these “triggers†further restrict movement, which in turn creates more pain.A vicious circle is complete. If one attempts to exercise the painful area with stretching and strengthening it leads to more pain and, possibly, further injury.The key is to get rid of pain and inflammation first, then restore flexibility and strength. Ice is commonly used to decrease pain and swelling. However, it won’t help muscles restore their normal functioning. That’s where therapeutic massage is invaluable.
There are several massage techniques. Some are designed to relax the muscles and relieve general tension. An injured person is usually in significant discomfort, which brings about tension. This person will not tolerate deep tissue techniques right away. Once the person is relaxed and muscles are prepared for deeper work, other techniques, specifically designed to address trigger points and tight muscles, are applied.
Depending on the ailment, the therapist chooses the appropriate technique. For example, tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon that connects the muscle to the bone) in the knee or the elbow is treated with a different technique than lower back or neck pain.
Because of the variety of techniques, therapeutic massage can be used for any musculoskeletal condition with great results. Neck pain and associated headaches very often surrender to special massage techniques. Patients who undergo surgery to repair an injured shoulder or knee have less pain with rehab if the massage is used and recover faster. Low back pain and ankle sprains, whiplash and groin pull, painful heel and chronic pain syndrome — these and many other conditions can benefit from properly applied therapeutic massage. Professional and amateur athletes find massage invaluable when dealing with nagging overuse injuries and keeping themselves in shape for their sport.
Patients with neurological conditions, such as paralysis after a stroke, also benefit from therapeutic massage applied by physical therapists.
There is nothing wrong with spa massages. In fact, after rehabilitation is completed and the person is no longer suffering from their injuries, they might find it useful to get a massage once in a while to keep themselves loose and ready for the everyday grind.
When dealing with injuries, one should seek the help of a professional who is trained to deal with injuries. Physical therapists are the most trained rehabilitation professionals with a vast array of techniques designed to get patients better fast.Therapeutic massage used in combination with specifically designed exercise programs and other rehabilitation techniques will assure that your health is restored and you live a full and pain-free life.
Michael Sheynin is a physical therapist and a co-owner of Free Motion Rehabilitation Center, Howell. He can be reached at 732-901-8844 or at [email protected].