Asian bodywork therapy is a modern term used for the touch-based therapies that have developed out of the Chinese and other Asian systems of medicine. Today, there are many different types of massage techniques offered across the globe. The modern Swedish massage is the closest in technique to the deep-tissue massage that was used by the ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Egyptians and people of the Far East. Deep-tissue massage is classified in a category of its own as a type of massage therapy used by athletes to assist in stimulating muscle growth and healing.
Sports Injuries
Deep-tissue massage has slowly found a place in sports medicine and physical therapy. Deep-tissue massage uses slow, forceful strokes to reach deep muscle and connective tissue and helps to repair damage that may result from active lifestyles and sports injuries, according to MayoClinic.com. Deep-tissue massage increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients into the muscle tissue, helping the body to release and discard toxins as waste products. Massage also stretches the ligaments and tendons, stimulates the skin and soothes the nervous system. Younger athletes have strong musculature and tend to have good circulation, therefore they can respond well to this type of therapy.
Benefits
Massage can help an athlete deal with stress, limited range of motion, chronic or temporary pain, and injuries from pulled or strained muscles and ligaments, according to chiropractic sports physician Dr. Mark Najjar. Young athletes push their bodies hard, and while they do exhibit a certain amount of resilience they also may sustain injuries as they reach their limit. Massage coupled with stretching can be applied as a preventive measure when warming up for your workout as well as after an exercise cooldown.
Competency
Teenagers and young adults are less likely to seek regular massage-therapy sessions, possibly because of lack of funding for or transportation to this type activity. However, there are many massage tables and chairs appearing in popular nail salons, tanning salons and gyms, making massage more accessible. These establishments are changing the idea of associating massage only with vacation spas and holistic practices, but one might wonder about the credentials of the masseuse. Deep-tissue massage should only be applied by an individual deemed competent. One way to ensure that the hands that you are in are capable is to get a referral from your doctor.
Caution
The teenage and young adult body is in the midst of transformation and therefore may be at increased risk for aches, pains and injury. Massage therapy is not for everyone. If you have a history of deep-vein thrombosis, have suddenly become incapacitated or have a clotting disorder, you should not engage in massage therapy without consulting your doctor first. These risks increase the possibility of developing or dislodging blood clots, which can increase the possibility of developing a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke.
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