Massage and Running Cramps

The main benefits of massage are in prevention of cramping and rehabilitation following an injury caused by a cramp that lasts for an extended period of time i.e. longer than 15 minutes.

The benefits of massage are:

to stimulate blood flow
to improve the flow of nutrients, oxygen and fluids into the muscle
to remove waste products from the muscle
to help stretch the muscle & relieve tension
to stretch, stimulate and relieve the muscle in directions that it cannot normally go i.e. sideways directions.

If you can massage directly before an event as well as hydrating with water, minerals, electrolytes, then thats an ideal combination.

Someone whos prone to cramps will really benefit from massage therapy/self massage. They should do this as often as possible but definitely 2-3 days prior to the event and not on the day before because you need to tailor out (tapering) but 2 days before is great and then a good session to warm up the muscles right before the event will help you properly prepare.

Massage performed by an experienced practitioner is a great and therapeutic experience. However you also have the ability to apply the same techniques on yourself or to get your partner or running mate to do so. Self massage can help promote healing and recovery and reduce the likelihood of cramping.

Always use some type of lubricant baby oil, vegetable oils such as olive oil or macadamia oil and commercial massage oils are all fine. It doesnt have to be an expensive oil and you dont need to use too much. Of course if you have sensitive skin, then choose an oil thats right for you such as a natural, cold pressed oil such as avocado, wheat germ, jojoba or grape seed oil.

Youll also need a flat and firm surface so you can apply pressure. This could even be a football field or the floor. Many good therapists may also apply a technique known as cupping.

The reason they use cupping is as a myofascial release method. By using the cups, a therapist can separate and stretch the muscle fibre, fascia and skin all at the same time.

Its ideal after a bout of severe cramps because it can help get extra blood flow to the muscles.

How often should you have a good massage? An elite athlete will have one after every training session and race and it really does depend on how serious you are, how many miles you're clocking up and what your budget is . . . or it's a great excuse to get your partner (or someone you what to know better) to do it for free!

Copyright: www.Running-Cramp-Relief.com

Paul Newland is a health and nutrition consultant, trainer, martial arts instructor, commercial helicopter pilot and author. His Ultimate Cramp Busting Guide is one of the internet's leading health information books and is the definitive guide to preventing, treating and curing cramps associated with exercise. You can find more information on how to apply correct massage techniques from the video tutorials in the Ultimate Cramp Busting Guide. In the book you'll not only learn how to completely eliminate your running cramps and leg cramps, you'll find out how easy it is to improve your performance and extend you sporting life. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Newland

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What is Massage Therapy?

Any method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft parts of the body with the hands or with aid of any mechanical electrical apparatus or appliances with or without rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments or other similar preparations used in this practice, under such circumstances that it is reasonably expected that the person to whom treatment is provided ...
Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.
The manipulation of skin, muscle, and joints (usually by hand) to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation, and eliminate wastes. Over 80 types of massage are in use today. Various forms include: acupressure, athletic, polarity, reflexology, rolfing, shiatsu, sports, Swedish, traeger, and watsu.