by Dr. Michael Pettet

Sports massage naturally boosts athletic performance. At Back & Neck Care Chiropractic & Sports Massage, our chiropractor recommends massage therapy to patients participating in sports on any level or recovering from a sports-related injury. Though exercise promotes health, it puts stress on the body. With massage therapy, however, athletes maximize performance, accelerate healing and recovery, improve flexibility, and prevent future sports-related injuries. Athletes improve athletic performance with the following benefits of massage:

• Quick Recovery - Deep tissue massage performed after heavy muscle use opens the pores within the muscle tissue membrane. This allows waste products, like lactic acid, to drain and essential nutrients to enter the tissue.
• Accelerated Healing - Tight or damaged muscle tissue constricts blood vessels and the lymphatic system. The stroking motion of massage creates a vacuum within the tissues, drawing blood and fluid into the muscle. This increases circulation and the amount of healing oxygen and nutrients that reach the muscle. Massage also causes blood vessels to dilate through stretching, which allows for nutrients to pass through more easily.
• Increased Flexibility - Heavy muscle use and scar tissue from prior injuries both contribute to the type of muscle tension which inhibits range of motion. Massage breaks up stiff scar tissue, allowing the muscle to heal properly. Massage also stretches muscles on a smaller level. During massage, each muscle fiber is stretched lengthwise and widthwise, increasing muscle elasticity and flexibility.

As an added benefit, the muscle relaxation which results from massage also translates into psychological relaxation. Massage releases endorphins, which reduce feelings of depression or anxiety, leading to improved focus on the playing field.

Our Vancouver Chiropractor Offers Natural Sports Injury Pain Relief

Our Vancouver chiropractor offers athletes natural sports injury pain relief with massage. As a natural alternative to pain medications, massage reduces pain and relaxes muscles. Most pain experienced is due to built up scar tissue, tension, and lactic acid in the muscles. Massage relieves this pain by relaxing muscles, increasing circulation, and breaking up scar tissue.

How has massage affected your athletic performance?