Does Massage help with recovery?

Summer is nearly here and for many of us that means increasing our exercise levels, getting out in the beautiful Queensland weather and moving more. For some of us this may also mean more muscle or joint pain.

Almost 75 per cent of Australians are not getting enough physical activity, so the words "You need to exercise more" can be like fingernails down a chalkboard for many. The answer this summer? Make it fun! But also try Remedial Massage to help keep away those aches and pains that make exercise more difficult.

Most of us love a good massage, but can we be sure that the scientific research supports the idea that Remedial Massage actually helps our aches and pains?
Yes we can!

Here is a study evaluating how Remedial Massage therapy attenuates inflammatory signaling after exercise-induced muscle damage to the quadriceps muscles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22301554

"In summary, when administered to skeletal muscle that has been acutely damaged through exercise, massage therapy appears to be clinically beneficial by reducing inflammation and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis."

Here is a systematic review showing the effectiveness of Remedial Massage for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the upper and lower extremities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26386912

"Our review clarifies the role of soft-tissue therapy for the management of upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Myofascial release therapy was effective for treating lateral epicondylitis and plantar fasciitis. Movement re-education was also effective for managing lateral epicondylitis. Localized relaxation massage combined with multimodal care may provide short-term benefit for treating carpal tunnel syndrome"

At Myo Motion, we are continually letting the evidence inform our treatment offerings, and we are pleased to say that Remedial Massage and Exercise Therapy are supported by science as effective interventions for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.