It's nice to go for a massage on a regular basis to help work out knots and keep the blood flowing in our bodies but massages to some are a delicacy. Massages can be expensive as well as intimidating for some.
Soft-tissue manipulation (massages) improve mobility by releasing trigger points (knots). Knots in a muscle need to be worked out before you can restore the muscle to its original length and full functionality.
If you have tight areas, static stretching won't release these trigger points (knots). Why you ask, well consider this imagine pulling a rubber band with a knot in the middle from both ends: When you let go the knot is still there. The same holds true for stretching a muscle with a knot in it. Soft tissue is akin to kneading bread dough; it breaks up knots by increasing blood flow to the area and loosening adhesions in the dense web of connective tissue that holds muscles together.
If you have ever been to a masseuse or physical therapist, you've experienced some form of soft-tissue manipulation. But you don't need a professional to work out tight sore muscles. You can do it yourself with a foam roller or a tennis ball or lacrosse ball. The foam roller can be bought in most sporting good stores this is used for large muscles groups like quadriceps, shoulders, glutes and sides of legs (IT bands). To break up knots in deeper tissue use the ball. Sit or lie on the ball so that it applies pressure to the tender area to help loosen adhesions. The pressure should be uncomfortable but not PAINFUL.
Spend at least five minutes a day on tight muscles after a workout or during the day when your muscles are warm from activity never do this on a cold tight muscle that has not been worked. Always do both sides to prevent muscular imbalances.
Personally I like to go for a full body massages at least 4 times a year (more if I can afford it)...if you have never experienced a full body massage I highly recommend it!!!
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