Pros of Massage
- It might increase blood flow to the affected areas. There has been research supporting both sides of this theory. With the numerous different types of massage out there I tend to believe that some methods are more effective than others at increasing blood flow, thus increasing nutrients to the muscles and decreasing recovery time.
- It helps you relax. The jury is not out on this, just go get a massage and see how you feel.
- Related to relaxation, massage decreases anxiety and elevates mood. This is due to the simple methodical pleasure that can be derived from a massage or a release of dopamine the can be caused by a more vigorous massage.
- The previous mood related factors work together to reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. If you are not familiar with cortisol it is a hormone that is released when you are stressed which causes you hold on to fat. Though not scientifically proven you could make the argument that massage has the capacity to help you loose weight.
- Massage reduces muscle stiffness. This is another subjective opinion based theory resounding support on the yes side. A massage essentially tenderizes the muscles by twisting, contorting, stretching, and applying localized pressure. This will increase flexibility.
- Reduction in muscle soreness. This is accomplished by a couple of factors. One, the increased flexibility often leads a person to feel less sore because they are not as physically restrained. And two, it is thought that massage helps break up and remove the lactic acid responsible for muscle soreness.
- Decreased swelling, this is also related to the previous point but I thought that it deserved its own paragraph. Swelling may make you look buff, but it is a symptom of the numerous micro traumas that you inflict on your body when you put it through a difficult workout. Decreasing this swelling means that you are recovering faster.
- All of these factors combined lead to a healthier body that is more resistant to injury and sickness and will recover faster from any activity. Massage basically optimizes your body by putting it in its best possible condition. It is essentially a tune up for your body.
Cons of massage
- There are a couple of cons of massage one of which is the main reason that it is not more widely used than it is. The cost is the main draw back of massage and puts it into a prohibitive category for many people. Starting at about $30 for a half hour it is a luxury many people can’t afford.
- The last con is the time that it takes. Like anything else if you do one thing it means that you can’t do something else. If that something is watch TV great, if it is taking time from your family not so great. Find the balance and don’t let this be the negative aspect it can be.