Types of therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage promotes tissue healing, so you can get back to your sport of choice as quickly as possible.
Our physiotherapist may also recommend other types of massage to complement your physiotherapy treatments, including:
- Swedish massage. This type of massage relaxes any stiff or tense muscles you may have, allowing for increased blood flow and fluid drainage from swollen areas.
- Myofascial release. This type of massage creates room for tissues that may be trapped by distortions or fascial adhesions, freeing them from constriction.
- Deep tissue massage. This type of massage loosens up your muscles and their connective tissues.
Therapeutic massage can be extremely beneficial for athletes, both before and after their training process.
Sports massage therapy can also be used before you even begin your rigorous exercise regimen, targeting the specific muscles and tissues that see the most use for your sport.
By working to mobilize, loosen, and relax these muscles before you train, you can help them stay limber throughout the process. This will decrease your risk of strains, sprains, and ruptures.
Why are soft tissues so important?
Soft tissues help in mobilizing your joints and give your body the strength it needs to perform tasks. Your soft tissues provide you with the ability to do many things; however, they also limit you from pushing yourself too far – even if that’s your intention.
Your muscles are made up of many small, thin fibers that contract on command, working together to mobilize your muscle groups. These muscles are attached to your bones by connective tissues, called tendons, enabling them to move your body parts.
Your bones are then connected by tough bands of connective tissue, called ligaments, for added stability. Your ligaments are covered by yet another connective tissue called fascia. All of these connective tissues can be referred to as “soft tissues.” These soft tissues can be damaged by certain stresses, especially those caused by repeated actions within the athletic activity. A tear in the tendon causes you to experience a significant amount of swelling and inflammation. Many athletes also experience sprains, which are caused by a ligament stretching farther than intended.
These injuries may occur in response to the intensity of your sport, but they can also occur if muscles simply are too tight before you begin one of your workouts. Therapeutic massage can help with this, as it relaxes the muscles, and may even prevent some of these injuries from occurring in the first place!
CONTACT US ABOUT THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TODAY!
It is important to help optimize the health and function of your soft tissues because they work hard to make sure your body is functioning correctly! If you are in Toronto, ON looking for therapeutic massage services, request an appointment at PhysioPlus Health Group.
