Benefits of Massage Therapy for Runners

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Runners

By Thea Harvey, RMT

The Benefits of Running

Running is a fantastic activity that offers numerous health benefits. It’s great for cardiovascular fitness and helps release endorphins, boosting both physical and mental well-being. As a runner, you likely understand the importance of stretching and cross-training as part of your maintenance routine. But did you know that regular massages can significantly enhance your performance and aid your recovery?

Understanding Muscle Imbalances

While running is excellent for cardiovascular health, it can also place repetitive strain on our joints and exacerbate muscle imbalances. Let’s delve into this: Our muscular system consists of fast (tonic) and slow (phasic) twitch muscle groups. Some muscles engage more easily than others. Typically, the muscles at the front of our body are fast-twitch, meaning they fire up and take over during physical exertion, whereas the muscles at the back are slower to engage. Considering how we move—reaching forward, walking forward, and running forward—our front muscles work harder and engage more readily.

Common Running-Related Issues

Regularly exerting these fast-twitch muscle groups can lead to patterns in our posture and muscle tension. Over time, this may result in tight hips, knees, and lower backs, potentially leading to conditions such as compartment syndrome (shin splints), patella femoral syndrome/ITB friction syndrome (runner’s knee), and plantar fasciitis.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

The great news is that massage therapy is highly effective in preventing and treating these conditions! As massage therapists, we assess your body based on our intake and what we feel in your muscles and connective tissues, tailoring the treatment accordingly. Regular maintenance treatments for runners focus on mobilizing tight connective tissue (fascia), loosening hypertonic (tight) muscles, and flushing out lactic acid (metabolic waste) from the muscles, thereby enhancing circulation. This leaves you feeling looser, more relaxed, and ready to run again the day after your treatment! I recommend this maintenance treatment monthly.

Specific Treatments for Postural and Strain Issues

For treating postural alignment or repetitive strain issues, more specific and frequent sessions are often beneficial to help you return to baseline and run comfortably again. So, the next time you’re feeling a bit tight or sore, book an appointment with a massage therapist. Let us help you feel like the wind is at your back!