Purpose of treatment
Purpose of treatment can be separated into four divisions; improved circulation, improved lymphatic drainage, removal of waste products and increased range of movement.
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Improved circulation and Improved lymphatic drainage
This can be summarised as the manual encouragement of blood flow to the targeted area massaged. In addition, improved circulation is a long-term effect of massage therapy which is a result from an ergogenic reaction that occurs during the body after frequent participation in massage. Moreover, this benefits gained reduce the chances of falling victim to discomforts including; pooling of the fluid in the extremities (like the toes), cold hands and feet, fatigue and achiness created by an accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Furthermore, massage brings fresh blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to the targeted area thus, allowing for the healing properties to take place. In addition, sports massage facilitates circulation due to the pressure created by the technique actually moving blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling on the massaged muscles also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function. “The aim of the massage is to move fluid from the swollen area into an area where the lymphatic system is working normally. To do this the person massaging you first massages and clears the area they want the fluid to drain into. It might seem strange to have them massage your chest and neck if you have lymphoedema in your arm. But it means that the fluid has somewhere to drain to when they massage your arm” (Cancer Research, 2016).
Removal of waste products
By an effective application of massage on a client, this will allow for the release of waste products that have built up within the muscles to take place. In addition, these waste products would attribute to the cause of tension the client would be suffering. However, for this process to take full effect, the client must ensure the optimal amount of consumed water is achieved as soon as possible after the massage. Moreover, as a massage takes place, the release of waste products occurs and forces them into the blood stream. By ensuring the intake of water occurs, this will provide the body with the tools it needs in order to remove the waste products completely via urination. Finally, this release in waste products reliefs’ stiffness and tension that may have been affecting the client prior to massage. Therefore, the client’s muscles are now permitted to work and contract effectively through their full range of motion. Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker (Sports injury clinic, 2017).
Increased range of movement
Individuals and sports people in general often see their joints tighten, making range of motion and flexibility restricted. Furthermore, massage therapy is a beneficial treatment for maintaining and improving flexibility and motion. According to Massage Envy 2017, by working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints, regular massage can improve one’s flexibility and range of motion, keeping your joints more fluid and making them less injury prone. This is due to their joints being able to travel throughout their full range of motion smoothly. Moreover, a once tensed up and tight muscle can shortly be seen as loose and able after a massage has taken place. This loose muscle now has the reduced chance of injury occurring as they are less prone to strains and sprains during a training session or sporting activity.
Cancer Research. (2016). Massage (manual lymphatic drainage) treatment for lymphoedema. 12 6, 2016, http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping-with-cancer/coping-physically/lymphoedema/treating-lymphoedema/massage-mldfor-lymphoedema