Many different athletes can receive great benefits from massage therapy before, during or after their activities, and runners are a great example. A common question for distance runners in particular: Why should I get massage therapy after running a marathon, or as part of marathon training?
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, massage therapy is one of the top techniques we use to help many patients in Salt Lake City, South Jordan and Riverton with pain, discomfort and related symptoms, including deep tissue massage and various other methods from top physical therapists. Here are some of the major benefits that massage therapy shows to distance runners like marathoners, including not only after your competition, but also in the lead-up and training processes.
Improving Muscle and Joint Strength
Training for a marathon or any other long-distance run is no picnic, and places significant strain on the muscles and joints in your legs, hips, back and elsewhere. This is true both during runs themselves and during the training process leading up to them.
Massage therapy is a powerful tool for loosening tight muscles, breaking down scar tissue that can build up over time, and improving overall muscle and joint strength. It also helps flush out toxins and other buildups that can cause pain or discomfort.
This makes massage a helpful option for many runners who are experiencing pain, stiffness or other related symptoms during their training process. It can also be used as a preventative tool to reduce the risk of injury.
Decreasing Multiple Forms of Stress
Whether during training or ahead of the actual event, distance runners often face stress in multiple forms – both physical and mental. Long runs can lead to significant fatigue, while the pressure of performing well at a major event can create significant anxiety.
Massage therapy is known for its ability to decrease various forms of stress on the body and mind. For starters, it promotes relaxation by releasing endorphins that help reduce stress hormones like cortisol. It also helps improve blood flow, which carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and organs that need them most.
For runners, this can mean faster recovery times and improved performance during training and races. It can also reduce the risk of injuries caused by excessive stress on the body.
Injury Prevention Assistance
Another major benefit of massage therapy for distance runners is its ability to serve as an injury prevention tool. By improving muscle and joint strength, reducing stress on the body, and promoting relaxation and improved blood flow, massage can help prevent common injuries like strains, sprains and tears.
Additionally, regular massage sessions allow your therapist to identify any potential problem areas or imbalances in your muscles and joints that could lead to injuries down the line. This allows you to address these issues before they become major problems.
Sports massage, in particular, is a technique that focuses specifically on preventing and treating sports-related injuries. So, whether you’re training for a marathon or simply enjoy running as a hobby, incorporating regular massage therapy sessions can help keep your body healthy and strong.
Reducing Inflammation
When it comes to long-distance running, inflammation is a common problem that can cause significant discomfort and hinder performance. Massage therapy has been shown to help reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances in the body.
Whether you’re dealing with acute inflammation from an injury or chronic inflammation from overuse, massage therapy can be an effective tool for reducing pain and swelling.
Improving Recovery
Both in terms of timeline and quality, recovery is a crucial aspect of long-distance running. Without proper recovery, runners are at a higher risk of injuries and may not be able to perform at their best during training or races.
Massage therapy can help improve recovery in several ways. It promotes relaxation, which allows the body to repair itself more efficiently. It also decreases muscle soreness and stiffness by improving blood flow and flushing out toxins.
Incorporating massage therapy into your post-run or post-training routine can significantly speed up your recovery time and help you get back on track for your next run.
As a distance runner, building massage therapy into your training and recovery plan can bring numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. From preventing injuries to improving recovery and reducing stress, massage can play a crucial role in helping you reach your running goals.
Contact ImPackt Physical Therapy today to learn more about our massage therapy or other physical therapy services for patients in SLC, South Jordan and Riverton, and how they can benefit you as a runner or any other athlete. We’re here to help!
