How muscle work affects the body.

For ages we have known that massage feels good. Though not until recently has science shown that in addition to feeling good massage aids in recovery. When we use our muscles, we often have some pain usually experienced as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Vigorous exercise causes tiny tears in muscle fibers, leading to an immune reaction, inflammation, as the body gets to work repairing the injured cells. It represents the muscles need to change, and is can be sign of muscle growth.

Courtesy Kouy photography

 

Combating this soreness can leave one a bit perplexed, though. Depending on severity, soreness can inhibit further activity, promote sedentary time, or lead to NSAID use (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The problem with these solutions is that they all reduce the effectiveness of training… If you avoid activity during times of soreness your muscles won’t change as fast as they are able, thus prolonging the duration of training. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs can inhibit the natural process of muscle repair but inhibiting the chemical pathways of recovery. These options often lead to ineffective training habits

A recent study has shown that massage not only makes you feel better, it actually helps your muscles to heal faster. Massage causes the body to increase the activity of mitochondria in massaged muscles and naturally decreases inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α), one of the byproducts that causes pain in exercised muscle.

Dr. Bramble using a tool to increase the effectiveness of  muscle work in the upper traps

The take home message is that a massage may be one of the most effective methods to combat muscle soreness. It is a natural way to combat the pain, while not interfering with the natural healing mechanisms of the muscle and actually increases the rate of recovery. As a chiropractor, I have always held a firm belief that muscle work is an important component of treatment, and this study gives credence to that belief.

So next time you have a big workout planned why not schedule a massage or chiropractic and bodywork appointment the next day. You’ll be happy you did.