Massage vs Stretching

How many times have you put off going to the gym because of the dreaded muscle ache you know you’ll be feeling the next day?
Massage and stretching are both extremely helpful methods that can improve muscle health and help with those sore post-workout muscles.
From keeping your muscles relaxed to promoting recovery after an injury, massage and stretching can do wonders for your body. But what’s the difference between them?

Read on to find out.

Massage the Pain Away

Whether it’s part of your self-care routine or you do out of medical necessity, regular massage can help you maintain good physical and mental health.

Anyone who’s experienced muscle injury will definitely feel some degree of stiffness or tightness associated with that pain, this is because the muscle tissue is too tight. Massage can relieve that tension and restore better blood flow that eases those muscle aches.

What Exactly Is Massage?

Stripped right down, massage is simply used to describe the process of manipulating muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue to increase the blood flow to these areas and reduce pressure on them.

There are several types of massage that utilize various techniques for different purposes. The most popular type is the Swedish massage; it’s a full-body massage that’s ideal for people who are new to the world of massage and are looking to release the built-up tension.

What Is Massage Good For?

While massage is commonly linked with general well-being and relaxation, it’s also medically recognized for more than just making you feel good. Here are some of the many benefits of massage therapy.
• Helps strained muscles heal faster
• Reduces swelling and scar tissue due to injury
• Relieves muscle stiffness and tension
• Release muscle knots
• Promotes better sleep
• Helps fibromyalgia pains
• Increases blood flow to unused muscles
• Reduces feelings of stress, fatigue, and anxiety

The Downsides of Massage

While massage is generally safe because its usually performed by a professional massage therapist, some possible negative effects that can take place such as:• Burns from hot stones and oils
• Bruises and pain
• Allergic reaction to the oils used in some massage types

Stretching Is for Everyone

If there’s one universal truth about stretching, it’s that we all should be doing it. Regardless of your age or fitness level, stretching can make a huge difference in how your muscles respond to exercise or movement in general.

According to experts, muscle injury is more common now than ever. This isn’t because we’re exercising harder, it’s because we’re not exercising enough. After long periods of inactivity, stretching can warm your muscles up and warmed-up muscles are more compliant.

Stretching Shouldn’t Be Uncomfortable

There’s a common misconception that stretching is supposed to hurt but we’re here to set the record straight. If stretching is painful then you’re going too far.

To stretch properly move into a stretch and breathe deeply while you hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds. Stop when you feel muscle tightness and relax, then repeat the stretch and try to move a little bit further into it during the second one.

Stretch both sides to make sure your range of motion is as equal as possible for the joints on each side of your body.

Why Stretch?

While you’re most likely to see dancers stretch before a performance, there’s more to stretching than just loosening up the body. Here are some of the many underrated benefits of stretching.
• Enhances athletic performance
• Can prevent muscle weakness
• Improves your flexibility and range of motion
• Keeps your joints more fluid
• Reduces the risk of injury
• Improves Posture
• Increases neuromuscular coordination
• Reduces muscular tightness
• Helps restore the muscles to their natural resting state

Can Stretching Be Harmful?

Stretching holds a reputation of being the least exciting part of the workout, but there are other possible drawbacks to it. The following are some of the possible side effects.
• High risk of injury when stretching in a hurry, causing muscle tears or sprains
• The misconception that stretching should hurt can cause people to overdo it and damage their muscles and joints
• Holding the stretch for too long can make the muscles contract, negating the benefit of the stretch and causing trauma or injury

Why Choose One When You Can Enjoy Both?

As you can see, massage is a great way to relax tense muscles and stretching is essential for your flexibility. The two go hand in hand, so why not have a routine that combines massage and stretching together?
Having a consistent daily routine that combines both can put you one step closer to being more resilient and pain-free.

Don’t wait for your body to exhaust itself before you get started, get ahead of any possible pain or injury and remember, don’t mend, transcend.