Massage and stretching are both recommended for muscle recovery. But how do they relate to one another? Which one works best and when? 

Massage:
Massage therapy is the manipulation of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue.
· Promotes faster healing of strained muscles
· Reduces swelling and the formation of scar tissue
· Relieves stiffness and tension of muscles
· Helps rehabilitate injuries
· Reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue
 
Stretching:
Stretching works to counteract tightness and tension built up in muscles that have been working. Stretching while moving or holding a stretch increases blood flow and range of motion, which helps joints stay aligned and muscles to move more effectively.

Stretching and massage work together to keep your muscles flexible and feeling great, this is especially true as we age! Daily stretching to the point of feeling a slight strain will increase your flexibility in just a few weeks. Regular massage helps to keep your body relaxed and flexible. Massage can also release trigger points and muscles in spasm, making your stretching routine even more effective.
 
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Many people get a massage to relax and reduce their stress caused by daily life, but massages aren’t just great for relaxation. They also help to relieve the symptoms of many medical and lifestyle conditions. Here are just a few ways massage can help you and improve your health!

• Relaxation and stress relief. Stress can cause everything from the common cold, weight gain and even heart disease. Massage can help!
• Improvement of blood circulation. When this improves, your cells are nourished and your muscles can relax.
• Relief for tight muscles caused by sitting too much and not moving around during your day.
• Relief of nerve compression caused by tight muscles.
• Increased flexibility and range of motion.
• Softening of scar tissues and faster healing of muscle tears.
• Helps you to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

 
Massage therapy helps people with a variety of physical problems. By relieving muscle tension, nerve compression and increasing joint space people generally report reduced pain and increased range of motion.
 
Massage also increases circulation! Your entire body needs oxygen and nutrients but it’s important that the oxygen can get to your muscles. If enough oxygen doesn’t get to your muscles, you’ll start to experience some muscle pain, tightness and cramps. The circulatory effects of getting a massage may also even help inflammation problems you may have, such as arthritis or edema.
 
Massage is a wonderfully relaxing experience. While providing relaxation, it can also lower the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Not only that, but it boosts the immune system, and decreases the physical and even the mental toll of ongoing stress.

It is important that you know what type of massage you should get for a health issue. Be sure to tell your therapist about your health goals to get the best type of massage and a treatment plan specific to your needs!

-bye for now!