Benefits of Massage

Some Misconceptions

 

•  Latest research suggests that lactic acid is removed from muscle tissue in a couple of hours so massage for this purpose at a later stage does not seem appropriate. Also, appropriate stretching/active warm down has been shown to be at least as effective in helping the dissipation of lactic acid.

•  Massage is not likely to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS – the feeling of stiffness and tenderness in muscle tissue that comes on after approximately 24 hours after exercise and can last several days). This is due to a breakdown in the structural proteins of muscle tissue, as a result of the larger forces within the tissue during eccentric muscle contractions.

•  Massage cannot replace quality stretching by the athlete.

•  Massage cannot replace thorough warm up/warm down routines

 

 

© Philip Chapple 2004