Common solution that most of us gym-goers think or do is to have a massage if we feel some discomfort in our bodies after a workout. Yesterday afternoon when I was logged in to a chatroom I saw a status message of one of my online friends that said, “Needs a deep tissue massage.” I did not pay any attention to the message because I thought he knows what he is doing and what is best for his body.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Deep tissue is deep tissue. It can hurt the person having it so one should know when to get it. As a trained masseur myself, I always advise my patient not to have a massage if there is swelling on the body. Massaging the swollen area would only worsen the condition.
When I arrived home, my online friend asked me what he could do to relieve the swelling on his body. I told him to apply cold compress and do not get the massage he intends. Unfortunately, he told me he already did. He said that he also put “efficascent oil”. I asked him if the oil is hot. He said yes.
Anything that is hot when applied to a swollen area of the body will worsen the swelling because more blood will flow to the vessels. The vessels would expand because of the heat. The best remedy to swelling is ice.
“Everything that is heated expands. Isn’t it that when you’re mad you feel like bursting?” I joked to my friend. “And what do we do to settle down our anger? Put our heads inside the freezer.” I think he got my point so he said he would try that next time he would suffer with the same condition.
Ice is the best remedy for anything that is swollen. Ask your doctor and tell me I am wrong. Massage? Bad idea.
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5 comments:
now, i am learning..
hmmm interesting...
like your friend, i usually get a massage once i feel the pain after gym... so its wrong pala..
The last time I got a massage, it ended elsewhere. After that, I learned to endure the pain, until it subsides for another training day. :)
@peripheralviews, thanks that you have learned something from my post.
@Bloiggster, let us put it this way. there are appropriate solutions to specific problems or conditions. massage is not just advisable to a swollen part of the body. consider ice first, then rest. :)
@Mugen, yes, that "elsewhere" led to more swelling. and yes, resting could be just enough.
"Anything that is hot when applied to a swollen area of the body will worsen the swelling because more blood will flow to the vessels."
does this also mean that it's not advisable to put hot compress to a red kissmark since it will be more visible? :-o
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