The summer running season is officially underway, and many runners are seeking ways to care for their battered bodies. Massage therapy can help heal a runner’s body and is more than just an hour of indulgence.

The running season is now in full stride. Individuals who participate in 5ks, 10ks and everything from marathons to triathlons, are out in droves pushing their personal goals and muscles to the limit. As runners train in advance of their competitions, many tactics are utilized to take proper care of their bodies. Both in preparation and in recovery, massage therapy has become an integral part of a competitive runner’s ability to stay on the top of his or her game, according to StrengthRunners.com.

One of the biggest benefits of massage is that it improves the effectiveness of the circulatory system. These effects are beneficial to anyone, but they are especially important to runners. The editors at Runner’s World report that massage benefits runners in lots of ways:

•    Dilates blood vessels which promotes circulation and lowers blood pressure

•    Assists venous blood flow

•    Promotes rapid removal of metabolic waste products

•    Improves the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells

•    Improves pulmonary function by loosening tight respiratory muscles

•    Reduces cortisol levels and norepinephrine and epinephrine levels

•    Restores posture and gait

•    Improves connective tissue healing

In addition to the-the circulatory benefits, regular massages after a long run or race can help reduce the risk of injury. According to Runner’s World, a massage after a grueling long run can reduce the pain of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is the day after soreness many runners experience. Massage also reduces inflammation in the muscles, which allows many runners to forgo ice treatments or having to take a day off, so they can get back to training sooner.

While the benefits of massage are numerous, it’s important to note that they are also cumulative. For the best results, runners may want to get involved in a regular massage program. A regular massage program is beneficial not only to the seasoned runner but new runners as well. A regular massage program can help new runners reduce the intensity of the muscle soreness that comes with any new workout routine, helping motivate new runners to stick with the sport.

Digital Source – Read Full Article: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2972027#ixzz4BZPAI8zb – Highlands Ranch, Colo. – June 13, 2016 – (Newswire.com)