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Massage helps prevent and heal injuries

Running is a strenuous activity -- and one that pays off by building strength, and boosting overall physical and psychological health. That said, most runners will have at least one injury in their running careers. Regularly stretching the quadriceps, calf and hamstring muscles helps prevent injuries. Massage also helps boost conditioning and prevent injuries.

 

How massage helps

 

In between strenuous training workouts and events, massage allows the muscles to relax, which helps build healthier tissues. To begin with, relaxed muscles don't produce as many of the waste products that irritate tissues. And when tight, bunched muscles relax and lengthen, they don't press as much on surrounding structures. This helps restore circulation, and improves the flow of nutrients and natural pain-relievers to the stressed area. Finally, relaxed muscles allow the body to heal the tiny tears and other "micro-traumas" which can result from strenuous exercise.

 

If you have an injury

 

Shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, hamstring strains, and calf muscle strain are some of the more common injuries people can experience when they run. One of the most effective treatments is rest. If you have an injury, there's also a good chance you need new, or different, shoes.

 

Massage treatment for running injuries often works best when it is frequent and gentle, especially in the beginning. After a period of rest and a series of treatments the pain should ease, and you can resume your running program, stronger than ever.

 

Give your legs a massage
Special "rubs" for runners and walkers

 

 

Try these moves in between massage sessions, especially after working out. If you want to rub with oil, try adding a little essential oil of eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary, no more than 10 drops of plant oil to an ounce of massage oil.