What Is Soft Tissue Release?
Posted on 12th April 2023
At our Sports Massage Training Academy, we understand that the demands of daily life can take a significant toll on our bodies. Factors such as work, lifestyle, and physical exercise can contribute to increased tension in our musculoskeletal systems and attachments, like joints and tendons.
What is it?
Soft tissue release is an effective method for alleviating this tension, repairing soft tissue damage, and addressing musculoskeletal fatigue and functional limitations (muscle tension). Sports Massage and Self Myofascial Release are popular forms of soft tissue release, which we primarily teach and practice at our academy to aid recovery, rehabilitation, and improve performance preparation.
What does it do?
Research indicates that muscle and joint range improves significantly following bouts of soft tissue release. We witness the positive effects of these techniques first-hand, as our students and clients consistently report increased flexibility and mobility. If you struggle with flexibility and joint mobility, soft tissue release may be highly beneficial for you.
Incorporating soft tissue release methods into your routine is crucial for maintaining peak physical condition. These techniques can help you get the most out of your workouts by reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), the extreme tenderness experienced after intense exercise sessions. Studies show that pain pressure threshold and perceived soreness are significantly reduced 24 hours post-exercise when immediately followed by soft tissue release application.
Activating the parasympathetic nervous system
One of the fundamental mechanisms of soft tissue release is the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system through the golgi tendon organ response. This leads to a reduction in heart rate and inhibition of the targeted muscles. As a result, soft tissue release is highly effective in recovery or rehabilitation processes, as it promotes better circulation, reduces swelling and inflammation, and encourages relaxation.
Moreover, soft tissue release is essential not only for muscle repair but also for performance preparation and injury prevention. It should be incorporated into your general maintenance routines or exercise programs to maximize performance and maintain overall health.
If you're interested in becoming a sports massage therapist to be able to help others in integrating soft tissue release into their training or help people seek relief from acute or chronic muscle pain, sign up for our courses today.
Tagged as: soft tissue release, Sports massage
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