Massage vs. Myofascial Release
What are your thoughts on Myfascial Release techniques (which you can perform) vs. massages for your clients. I saw an interesting article (see link) discussing the benefits of massages, but can they be over rated for your clients who train on a consistent basis.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500368_162-57369841/massage-may-help-sore-mu…
Hi Kurt
I like the idea of teaching people to know their own body. Myofascial release allows clients to relieve their muscular discomfort before it escalates. It can teach clients about their body, their stressors, their sensitivities, and stimulate their innate ability to self-care. Foam rollers are a great tool. Teaching myofascial release with foam rollers is a must.
Massage often times is not self induced, but has its place in self-care.
I have quite an opinion on this subject as I am a certified MELT (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique) instructor. And in the following, I only make reference to this technique.
MELT is a process of ‘Assess, MELT, reassess’, and a person who can self-assess well will know which MELT technique to use for optimal results. In the article, people talk about massage after a workout to reduce muscle soreness. MELT is applicable after cardiovascular exercises, but is even more valuable before a strength workout because it attempts to rebalance the body and create better alignment.
I know that there are wonderful massage therapists who are very knowledgeable, and a massage by any one of them would be a great benefit. But cost is clearly a factor, and so the fact that not all massage therapists are created equal.
I personally much rather apply MELT techniques to myself based on how my body feels.
I don’t see it as an either/or.
As a MELT instructor, I teach my clients to hydrate and care for their own tissues. Done before massage, it allows the therapist to get deeper into tissue, quicker, with less pain to the client. Done after massage, it prolongs the benefits achieved during the massage.
I cross-refer to several massage therapists and teach MELT workshops at a wellness studio where massage, MELT, yoga, and acupuncture all cross-refer.