The Benefits of Massage in Sprain and Strain Recovery
Both professional and recreational athletes are equally prone to suffering ankle, knee, and arm injuries. Sprains and strains while playing sports are fairly common and usually temporary, but it is important to give them the time and attention they need to heal.
Otherwise, you may face long-term mobility issues, fractures, and additional injuries. Meds and rest are of great help, but more and more people include massages in their recovery regimens.
In this article, we’ll uncover what the main benefits of strained or sprained ankle massage are and what causes these types of injuries.
What Are Sprains and Strains?
Imagine a sprain as a tear or stretch in the ligaments around a joint. These ligaments, like the sturdy framework of a bridge, hold your bones together. When they tear or stretch too far, the area swells up and becomes painful. The most common site for sprains is your ankles.
Doctors usually recommend rest, elevation, compression, and massages for mild sprains. Severe ones require surgery to repair torn ligaments.
Strains are not as severe as sprains. Also known as pulled muscles, they occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched too much, especially when muscles or ligaments twist or wrench. They most commonly occur in the feet, legs, and back.
Healing depends on various factors, including age, severity of injury, previous injuries, and general health. If you strain a muscle, it is recommended that you rest, apply ice for a few days, and take anti-inflammatory medicines. Muscle strain massage is also quite beneficial, and once the acute phase is over, massaging the surrounding musculature can help reduce inflammation and accelerate the recovery process.
Main Causes of Sprains and Strains
Both strains and sprains happen accidentally and are most common among sportspeople. Sprains often occur when you fall, and your joints experience trauma.
Conversely, strains can be acute or chronic. The former occur suddenly, mainly when you lift a heavy object, slip, fall, run, or throw. The latter develop slowly over time and mostly happen due to repetitive movements, such as rowing, playing tennis, or sitting in an awkward position for a long time.
The majority of sprains and strains can be treated at home. However, you must see a doctor who knows how to massage a muscle strain if you have difficulty walking without pain, if the swelling worsens over time, or if you have a fever and feel numbness in the affected area.
How to Prevent Them
If you want to prevent or minimize sprains and strains, you must first be aware of your environment and watch for uneven, slippery surfaces that might cause an accident. You must also wear appropriate footwear to protect your ankles and knee joints.
Whether you go to the gym or play any sports, it is advisable to warm up your muscles properly and increase their range of movement. This will avoid tears in the connective tissue. Nevertheless, it is best to strengthen the muscles around joints and build a robust skeletal framework.
Lastly, avoid repetitive actions, such as standing or sitting too long, as they can lead to muscle strains. Take regular breaks to stand up, take a walk, and stretch your muscles.
Can Massage Help Post Injury?
The answer is yes. A massage can aid with pulled muscles, broken bones, sprains, and muscle tears. Professional massage therapists are trained to stretch out tightness, loosen scar tissue, speed up the healing rate, and shorten recovery time using a variety of massage techniques.
Benefits of Receiving a Massage After a Sprain or Strain
Massages have become popular in treating sports accidents, as athletes often see them as a way to improve their performance and recover from injuries quickly. Moreover, sprain massage has proven beneficial in treating sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Massages can also help by producing the following effects.
Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Tense muscles tend to constrict blood vessels, which can cause pain and inflammation. Massage therapists know how to ease muscle tension and relax an individual using their hands, forearms, and elbows. They know how to loosen knots and break scar tissue that forms after an injury.
A massage can also lengthen and relax muscles. In the case of a pulled muscle, a massage of the affected area increases tissue elasticity and range of motion.
Promote Blood Circulation
Different types of massages increase blood circulation and capillarization. Blood vessels allow blood to flow through the body and carry oxygen and nutrients to muscles and cells, so better circulation makes the healing process faster.
Boost Healing Time
Since sports injuries are commonplace, massage therapy can significantly speed up their recovery time. If you have sprained or strained your ankle, a massage therapist can tailor the massage to your needs and focus on areas that are painful or tight. Consequently, you will feel better faster and get the most out of your treatment.
Promote a Sense of Calmness
Aside from physical benefits, sports massages can contribute to your emotional and mental well-being. Sprained ankle massage can have relaxing and stress-relieving effects, reduce anxiety caused by injury recovery, and promote a sense of calmness. This is also an opportunity to connect with your body and adopt a positive mindset on your recovery journey.
Prevent Future Injuries
Getting regular massages makes muscles relaxed and pliable, keeping your body healthy and injury-free. A massage stimulates your immune system and boosts the production of white blood cells, which helps the body fight infections and prevent future injuries.
Improve Muscular Health and Sleep Quality
Regular massages boost circulation, improve range of motion, and contribute to stronger muscles. As a result, your muscles become stronger and can better withstand physical activity.
Stress and tension often take their toll on the body after an injury, so a massage can relieve the pressure and help you sleep better. Getting enough rest during the night is essential for a healthy body, so massage can aid recovery in this way, as well.
Conclusion
If they are mild to moderate, strains and sprains heal within one to two weeks. Rehabilitative massage plays a crucial role in the recovery process, and the most common types include sports, deep tissue, and remedial massage. Even if you sustain severe stains and sprains, a physical therapist can help you regain a range of motion.
Despite the fact that massages can speed up recovery, you should make sure that the injured body part is adequately supported to prevent further damage.
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