Massage and muscular pain

Has muscle pain ever put you on the sideline? Starting a new workout routine or engaging in sports or other activities may result in several days of soreness and pain. In the worst cases, it could leave you in misery for weeks. Intense physical exercise often strains or tears small muscle fibers. Poor oxygen levels and inadequate circulation during exertion compounds the problem and leads to the piercing agony that stops you in your tracks and makes daily activities seem impossible. Proper body conditioning before changing your routine can often prevent muscle pain, but if you’re already suffering, here are a few tips to help you get some much-needed relief.

Slow Down, but Don’t Stop

Exercise might not be the most appealing form of therapy when you’re hurting, but maintaining a regular routine will counteract stiffness, keep your blood flowing and help you recover. It can also ease anxiety and stress caused by pain and help you feel more relaxed. Try slow stretches and light, simple exercises that don’t target your injured muscles.

Soothe Pain with Temperature

Alternating hot and cold water temperatures while you’re in the shower boosts circulation and decreases swelling and pain. For a serious muscle injury, apply a cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes every hour until inflammation subsides. It may take two or three days to see consistent results. After your swelling has gone, start applying a hot compress for 10 minutes at a time to relax tight muscles. You may also alternate between heat and cold after 48 hours.

Boost Your Healing Power with Food

Healing your damaged muscles and tendons quickly requires extra protein and healthy carbohydrates to ease muscle pain. Be sure you’re getting enough of them through your diet, especially when you’ve recently increased your level of physical activity.

Get a Great Massage

Whether you’re in pain or not, nothing is better for your muscles than a quality massage. The slow, even pressure improves your circulation and helps get oxygen into your tissues to repair damage. A professional massage therapist is experienced in restoring muscle health after acute injuries and working out tissue adhesions that cause chronic pain. For the ultimate in relaxation and pain relief, book regular massages to help speed healing and offset damages caused by workout changes, injuries and chronic health conditions.