There are many techniques which a Sports Massage Therapist can employ during a session to bring about a specific and desired result. One of the most effective by far—the integration of stretching into the massage. Basically, there are a few factors at play in a Therapeutic Massage. An injury or pain syndrome has been assessed. The targeted musculature has been palpated (assessed by touch), then treated accordingly, with the intent of improving tissue quality. At this point, more than any other, muscles are receptive to change.
Each muscle contains receptors which communicate with the brain to allow for movement. These receptors can be manipulated, or re-educated, to assume a different resting position. Taking advantage of this by integrating stretching into a massage session when the tissue is most malleable brings about the greatest and most lasting change. The importance of this is two-fold. On a single-muscle level, the treatment and relief will be the most thorough. On a joint level, it will help to re-create balance by specifically lengthening muscles which were previously causing strain and dysfunction.
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