Massage supports a well-defined bodybuilding physique by increasing circulation and improving muscle tone. Damaged and tight muscle tissues do not hold blood well, resulting in diminished muscle tone. An experienced masseur or masseuse will use a pumping technique to move fluid through blood vessels and lymph nodes.
For Athletic Recovery: Weekly or Biweekly
Massage stimulates blood flow, which can help your muscles and joints recover faster. It can also help you with future athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury by removing lactic acid buildup and encouraging muscle flexibility.
While massage itself doesn't directly stimulate muscle growth, its positive impact on recovery and performance can contribute to an environment conducive to muscle development. Combining massage with proper nutrition and exercise remains essential for optimal muscle growth.
During your massage, your therapist will typically begin by massaging your back and shoulders; for this, you'll need to be laying down comfortably on your stomach. Then, the therapist will massage your legs and feet, (and your glutes if this has been agreed to) before proceeding to massage the arms.
It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothing to your treatment. I tend to wear my gym clothing, as it's easy to slip on and off and is super comfortable.
In addition to physical rejuvenation, emotional and mental wellness are also boosted through this type of massage. In the massage session by the female masseuse, long strokes, gentle kneading and the pressure of variable intensity are applied to the specific parts of the body of the male client.
Benefits for Bodybuilders:
Chronic Pain Relief: Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of muscles, tendons, and fascia. It's particularly effective for bodybuilders experiencing chronic pain or muscle tightness from heavy lifting.
In the acute stage of muscle rupture, the severed muscle may still bleed. Massage will increase bleeding and tissue damage and slow healing. After the first 48–72 hours, massage can be performed, depending on the extent of the muscle injury.
The result is quicker muscle repair and growth, making massage an essential recovery tool for anyone looking to build muscle mass or maintain strength. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, regular massage therapy can speed up the recovery process between workouts, enabling consistent training and improved performance.
The short answer is yes. Depending on how tight your muscles are and how much pain you can handle, the amount of pressure a massage needs varies not only by person but also by session. It's important to know how much pressure is required because it can make all the difference between a good and a bad massage!
The key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising. According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training this can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMs) by a massive 30%.
Sports massage is a faster-paced massage that combines techniques from Swedish and deep-tissue massage to help promote healing and prevent injury. Professional bodybuilders frequently go for deep-tissue massage or sports massage at least once a week.
Depending on the level of activity, athletes may require massage therapy on a more frequent basis than someone who is less active. For example, professional athletes may receive massage therapy several times a week to help manage the physical demands of their sport.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
Excessive pressure can probably cause “rhabdo”: poisoning by proteins liberated from injured muscle, a “muscle crush” injury. For example: an 88-year old man collapsed the day after an unusually strong 2-hour session of massage therapy.
As soon as your skin's nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high. As a result, stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline begin to decrease and the overall effect is one of euphoria and bliss.
Massage can help relax ever-tight muscle groups to help improve posture and make it more possible for a weightlifter to correct unbalance using proper form. Over time, correcting these unbalanced areas with a combination of targeted workouts and massage will result in overall muscle health.
Side effects
People may experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, particularly if a therapist targets problem areas. They can let their massage therapist know if a massage becomes too painful. Although massage has a low risk of harm, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for everyone.
The term masseuse is a French word that refers to a female who practices massage. (Males in the industry were known as masseurs.)
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your massage that you can easily take off and put back on. Dress down to your comfort level during your appointment. You can leave your undergarments on during your massage, or you can go bare. Take a shower beforehand, and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Any act of kindness might be a signal that he likes you, but a massage is a pretty personal act. It shows he wants you to feel relaxed and light, and that he wants to be close to you.