If you’re a fitness enthusiast of any kind, then you’re probably no stranger to the aches and pains that we occasionally experience. It’s a pain – literally – and most of the time it’s because a muscle or tendon is too tight. This is especially common in anyone who does any running – whether alone or as a part of their sport. Sometimes we don’t stretch enough, and completely neglect our foam roller, and then question why we ache. This is why I wanted to talk about percussive massage, but first what is percussive massage?
Percussive Massage
Percussive massage is one of the latest breakthrough treatments for soft tissue pain. It helps accelerate the growth and repair of tissues by providing strong, rapid, short-duration pulses deep into the tissues of the body. This increases blood flow to the affected area helping relieve pain and increasing the range of motion and function. Percussive massage also provides a gentle stretch to the muscles and connective tissues improving responsiveness and performance.
What are the Benefits?
Percussive massage and muscle stimulation are beneficial in multiple medical and cosmetic applications, including:
- Relaxing thickened connective tissue and fascia
- Breaking down adhesions and internal scar tissue, present after injuries or surgery
- Increased venous and lymphatic circulation
- Elongating muscle fiber, especially when spasms, stiffness, and restrictions are present
- Increased range of movement by relieving stiff joints
Is it Right For Me?
Percussive massage is for anyone interested in injury correction, injury prevention, and sports performance.
Common injuries and conditions that percussive massage can help:
- Muscle Soreness
- Shin Splints
- Muscle Spasms and Cramps
- TMJ Syndrome
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Herniated or Bulging Discs
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia
Using it For Rehabilitation
Percussive massage can quicken the recovery process of muscles that have been injured due to trauma, surgery, or disease.
This is because percussive massage contracts the muscles which helps strengthen them for those who may not be able to partake in physical therapy. Plus percussive massage can be used in patients with partial or full paralysis since the muscle contractions caused by the massage stimulate the muscles and prevents non-use atrophy while also improving reflex responses in which the nerves respond to stimulation.
Sports Training
Recent studies have shown that percussive massage causes contractions that are up to 30 times stronger than regular voluntary contractions. What does this mean? It means that it leads to enhanced muscle strength and improved muscle recovery.
Percussive stimulation also improves muscle tone and balance, relieving muscular tightness and reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints. It increases blood circulation to bring more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle and reduces muscle fatigue, and soreness.
How to Do it:
Now you can either try and track down a masseuse who is specially trained in percussive massage, or you can buy a handheld massager. I’m a fan of the latter, hence why my new rehab obsession is my Naipo Percussion Massager. Lately, the peroneal muscles in my left leg have been aching; nothing too serious it’s a common issue for trail and track runners and those who do a lot of plyo work or jumping for their sport – basketball, soccer, track & field events, etc.
Due to the positioning of the personnel, it can be difficult to reach them with a foam or stick roller, and they respond better to a deep tissue/sports massage. Which is why the percussion massage is perfect for them. It helps stimulate the peroneals, tibialis anterior, and calf muscles making them not only relax but contract to make them stronger in the long run. Here’s a Boomerang of it:
Plus the Naipo has three different massage heads you can use depending on the area you’re working on; it also has a heat function as well. The speed/intensity of the massage is completely adjustable, and it’s super easy to use! Plus it costs the same as a quality foam roller, and works perfectly for a different method of rehab for those times you need it to be more focused on an area. To check it out, here’s the link. Plus you can use the coupon code: NAIPO211 for 20% off for the next two weeks only!