Learning About The Benefits Of Massage

How Hikers Can Benefit From Massage Therapy

25 January 2022 by Adrian Simmmons

Hikers are a unique group of people. They can trek on for ages, up hills and along ravines, enjoying both the activity and the view. While hiking is not usually a competitive activity, it can be as hard on the body as many sports. As such, hikers can often benefit from massage therapy. Here are a few key benefits of massage therapy for hikers.

Looser Muscles

Do you know how, at the end of a long hike, your muscles start to feel tight, making it more difficult to navigate rough terrain without stumbling? Hiking on inflexible legs like this can increase your risk of an injury. Just one misstep, and you have a sprained ankle! Massage therapy helps loosen up your muscles. Get regular massages, and you'll likely find that you don't get so stiff later on in your hikes. You'll enjoy being able to walk with dexterity and avoid injury as you make your way down that final hill.

Decreased Inflammation

A long or hard hike can leave you with some inflammation in your muscles — especially in your lower legs. This inflammation can make recovery take longer. It may make you feel sore and tight for longer than you would otherwise. Massage therapy can help encourage the extra fluid in your muscle tissue to make its way back to circulation, reducing inflammation. If you go for a massage the day after a tough hike, it can speed up your recovery in this way.

Fewer Tendon and Ligament Problems

When your muscles tighten up after a hike, they pull on your tendons and ligaments. This makes you more likely to experience both chronic and acute problems with your tendons and ligaments. Some runners develop IT band syndrome. Others may develop Achilles tendinitis. Massage therapy loosens your muscles, taking the strain off your tendons and ligaments to prevent these injuries.

Relaxation

For most hikers, hiking provides a break from the day to day, and it's a form of stress relief. However, hiking can sometimes bring its own sorts of stress. You may worry about staying on trail or avoiding wildlife. If you ever finish a hike feeling stressed, then going in for a massage is a great choice. It will help you regroup and mentally ready yourself to get out there again.

Hiking can be fun, but it can also be hard on the body. Consider the occasional massage for the benefits above.

For more information on massage therapy, contact a company near you.

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