Thursday, February 14, 2013

Spring Sports Massage Spokane


Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane uses Sports Massage to enhance the health regime of athletes.  During spring, requirements of the body are changed as focus is directed to outside sports such as Golf, Tennis and Running.  Whether professional or amateur, all athletes are susceptible to injuries from their sport of choice, and all can benefit from Therapeutic Sports Massage.  Therapeutic Sports Massage highlights the healing of injuries to tendons and ligaments and helps to ease built up tension and stress the body develops during physical activity.

Golfers who are working to reclaim their club shots after our long winters need to be aware of the main stresses on the body.  The golf swing and hunched over putters stance are the primary contributors to back, neck and shoulder pain.  Therapeutic Massage prior to golfing can be beneficial in increasing flexibility and range of motion, both of which are necessary for the golf swing. Other common injuries include carpal tunnel, and knee pain both of which can be addressed before and after injuries by working to increase flexibility and circulation to the areas.

Tennis players suffer from two types of injuries, overuse and acute (traumatic).  Overuse injuries happen over time as stress to the muscles, joints and soft tissues are unable to properly heal between uses. If not treated early, overuse injuries that begin as a small ache or pain can become debilitating.  As with golfers, Therapeutic Massage can work to increase the circulation, range of motion and flexibility to help avoid overuse injuries.  Acute injuries such as rotator cuff tendonitis, shoulder tendonitis, achilles tendonitis and tennis elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) can benefit from Massage to help reduce stress to the body and mind in order to help advance the return to the courts as well as reducing inflammation to the areas through an increase in circulation. 

Runners put specific repetitive stress on their bodies which is different from most other sports.  Lower body injuries are the most common and destructive to a runner.  Preventative massage may help runners avoid injuries such like pulled hamstrings by stretching the muscle and increasing flexibility.  The benefits of massage can help with hip bursitis, where pain is caused with hip movement, and snapping hip syndrome, which encompasses three distinct hip problems, by increasing the circulation to the affected areas to help reduce inflammation.  Itiotibial Band syndrome, an inflamed fibrous band spanning from the hip to the shin that lends stability, and tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) can be helped by massage to reduce inflation and reduce stress on the areas. 

Most spring sports and physical activity in general are extremely susceptible to knee injuries.  From a golfer twisting a knee with the swing, a tennis player’s jerky movements and quickly changing directions, to a runner’s repeated impact to the joints, the knee takes a lot of abuse.  Massage before activity may help prepare the joints for the change in activity and can be used after sports to reduce stress and increase healing time to avoid injuries.

Elements Therapeutic Massage understands that each sport has its own unique impact on the body and uses different muscle groups.  Spring sports such as golf, tennis and running are just a few examples of the many available sports in the Spokane area and we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy sports as part of a healthy lifestyle.  The benefits of physical activity are seen in both the mind and the body. At Elements, our therapists are specially trained in Therapeutic Sports massage, and we are here to help keep you in the game before, during and after.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen.  Contact one of our 3 Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one of our specialists.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Weight Loss and Control

A favorite New Year resolution for many is to lose weight and become healthier.  With so many programs and options available, some which may work and some which may not, Therapeutic Massage can enhance any weight loss program. 
   At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane we don’t believe massage alone is a viable weight loss solution, instead exercise and nutrition are the healthiest ways to achieve this goal.  We do believe that Therapeutic Massage can help increase the likelihood of success in any program.  Benefits of an Elements Therapeutic Massage that directly correspond with weight loss or weight control are improved circulation, improved range of motion and flexibility and lower stress.

   During exercise the body creates high levels of known waste products such as lactic and carbonic acid which build up in the muscles. Increased circulation helps to eliminate these while also supplying nutrition to the used muscles.  Circulation increases the interchange of vital substances between blood and tissues increasing tissue metabolism and maximizing the supply of vital nutrients and oxygen.  The outcome of increased circulation through massage are improved muscle recovery time and burning the maximum number of calories.

   Improved range of motion and flexibility through Therapeutic Massage correspond to weight loss and weight control by enhancing a workout routine.  Improved range of motion helps maintain maximum power and performance while muscles are active, burning the maximum number of calories. Increased flexibility is a key function in any exercise program by reducing the risk of injury.  Range of motion and flexibility of muscles through Therapeutic Massage allow an exercise program to stay on course, allow muscles a chance to be stretched and rested and avoid burnout.  A combination of improved Circulation, range of motion and flexibility through Therapeutic Massage has been seen in improvements in body contour and skin texture.

   Preparing not only your body, but your mind for a lifestyle change is an area Elements Therapeutic Massage is specialized in. Reducing stress relaxes muscles allowing them to rest between workouts and prevent muscle strain.  The physical aspects of stress relief are combined with a new attitude, shifting towards a more healthy approach on life which can increase the dedication to a new or existing exercise program.

   Therapeutic Massage as part of a weight loss or weight control plan can increase your success rate. We encourage the advice of a doctor when starting or changing any exercise program to see what works best for you and please ask them about the benefits of massage.  Don’t be surprised if they recommend more massages at the beginning of your plan as this is normal to avoid injury and to help know your body’s way of handing stress and exertion.

   At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen.  Contact one of our studios to book an appointment with one of our specialists.