Massage for Runners - Part 1
After running, the muscles are saturated with lactic acid, shifting the body from an acid-neutral condition to one that is acidic. By massaging the leg muscles
after running, much of the pain normally experienced the next day can be alleviated.
Pain in the hips and back after running is due to fatigue of the muscles. Breaking down muscle in order to rebuild it and increase strength requires plenty of stretching, but it is also important to massage the muscles of the back and hips.
In order to sprint, one uses not only the legs but the arms. Sideways movement of the arms, or only limited swinging forward and backwards, will limit the amount of propulsion lent by the arms to the running body. By moving the arms fully backwards, and with precision, will transmit power to the legs. At the same time, the forward movement of the arms pulls the body forward. It is not just a matter of swinging the arms vigorously. By using the back and chest to further propel the arms, and the core muscles to keep the posture erect, will allow the maximum degree of arm movement and power. If the shoulder blades (scapula) are not moving correctly, the arms cannot extend fully backwards. Improper positioning of the shoulder blades at the start of the sprint is usually the cause of sideward arm movement, or insufficient arm propulsion. In order to achieve dynamic sprinting form, awareness of scapula positioning is key.
Generally, running is an aerobic form of exercise with a beneficial effect on blood circulation, and is very good for shoulder tightness. But poor form often plagues beginning runners, and they will suffer from shoulder pain as a result.
Other causes of pain from running include swinging the shoulders incorrectly, looking down while running, or otherwise failing to maintain correct posture. Whenever tightness or fatigue in the shoulders is experienced after running, massage is an important remedy.
Fujimax massage chair massages the soles of the feet, the ankles, the calves, the hips and lower back, and the shoulders (and scapula), making it an ideal follow-up to any running routine.