Mmm! Massage!

[Mr Punch]

For any of your physiotherapists/muscle experts/sports scientists etc out there...

when's the best time to get a massage?

If I have a heavy workout and my muscles are damaged, I need to rest them a bit and eat a lot of protein and all that to build them up into their new-improved versions right?

So, if I get a massage, I'm getting the tissues broken apart again am I (thus impeding the repair time and being A BAD THING)? Or is it just stimulating the blood flow around them (and speeding up the repair time - A GOOD THING)?

And what kind of massage should I be getting for strained/damaged muscles? And finally how long after - while it still hurts...?

Ta.

[FooFighter]

Mat,

I perform self trigger massage therapy on myself using a cane device after my workout which helps my recovery. The best time to get a massage is after your intense workout. After a good hot/cold shower and time in the dry sauna, I like going for a good massage. I perfer tui-na (chinese) therapy, but other methods also is good.

There is no quick and easy way to decrease DOMs aka soreness. Here is what I do after my workouts. 1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. 2. Drink a protein shake. 3. Eat two handful of goji aka wolfberries. 4. Take amino pills before bedtime. 5. Do Warrior Wellness or Bodyflow or Vibration exercises. 6. REST get 6-8 hours of sleep.

If you can a massage when your muscles are already inflamed, then yes it will make it feel worst from my experience. That is why I get my massage the same day as my workout and not days afterward.

"And what kind of massage should I be getting for strained/damaged muscles? And finally how long after - while it still hurts...?"

If you have a medical condition, please ask your doctor.



Ta.[/QUOTE]

[stubbs]

I'd say the best time is either just before to get rid of any excessive tightness before your workout to prevent injury (this would just be a a quick, vigorous massage including some soft tissue release), and maybe the next day or two after a hard workout (this would be a longer, and deeper massage including some deep friction to get rid of any knotts in the muscle).

There's been a few studies out there saying that post event massage doesn't really provide any physical benefit. The next day, or a few hours afterwards should be effective though.

[David Jamieson]

get one with the happy ending and you'll feel no more tension. :p

[IronFist]

I wouldn't get one if I'm really sore with DOMS after lifting weights. For example, the day after doing squats I don't even want to touch my quads, much less let someone massage them.

[FooFighter]

I wouldn't get one if I'm really sore with DOMS after lifting weights. For example, the day after doing squats I don't even want to touch my quads, much less let someone massage them.

I feel ya, Iron and this why I recommended getting massage after an intense event/activity.

[Mr Punch]

Cheers. I perfer tui-na (chinese) therapy, but other methods also is good.I usually go to an anma, a traditional Japanese blind masseur, who is excellent, and seeing as it's trad Japanese it's probably Chinese anyway! :D

1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Check.2. Drink a protein shake. Check sometimes. Usually eat enough protein at mealtimes and often guzzle the odd can of tuna/raw eggs after training. 3. Eat two handful of goji aka wolfberries.Why? 4. Take amino pills before bedtime. Hmmm, don't really like the sound of that. I think my amino balance is OK through my diet. 5. Do Warrior Wellness or Bodyflow or Vibration exercises. Don't know any. Plus , it's already pretty hard to make exercise time. 6. REST get 6-8 hours of sleep.Check.

"And what kind of massage should I be getting for strained/damaged muscles? And finally how long after - while it still hurts...?"

If you have a medical condition, please ask your doctor.Of course. The only strained/damaged muscles I was talking about are what you acronym freaks are calling DOMS! :p

This site (http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/01_99/muscle.htm) reckons it's good to get a massage, but doesn't say why. Of course, I can assume that it's to increase bloodflow to the muscles and thus decrease repair time. However, it doesn't address the possibility that a deep massage may cause more harm than good.

This (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuries/a/doms.htm) suggests gentle massage.

This (http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/domos.html) seems to suggest massage before the work out.

This site (http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/) recommends before and after.

Well, there you go.

[stricker]

mat,

at my mma club we have a massage therapist (cheap to training bros :)) he recommends a massage straight after training (hot shower first) that should help prevent soreness. he also does pre fight massage then theres specific stuff if you have injuries etc which can be any time. anyway it rules :D i guess the only limit is how much $$ and time you have etc just see what works best for you!

also ive had it help lots with flexability etc