Massage Does Not Release Toxins!
There is no scientific evidence to support the long held misconception that massage releases toxins. Well intentioned massage therapists have for decades instructed their clients to drink plenty of water to flush out the “toxins” that are released from the tissues by massage. Evidence does exist, however, that the presence of cytokines, protein molecules that are part of the inflammation response, is reduced with massage. In February 2012, the New York Times reported that a study was done which revealed new information on post exercise muscle soreness and the role of massage as a treatment. The study, which you can read more about here http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/how-massage-heals-sore-muscles/, is important because while we have had anecdotal evidence for many years that massage relieves muscle pain, it is the first clinical study to demonstrate the benefit of massage at the cellular level.
Looking for Physical Therapy services on the upper Cape? Sports Center Physical Therapy, http://www.scptfalmouth.com/about_us.html offers a full range of evaluation, rehabilitation, and wellness options.
Read about a small study on Deep Breathing, a low cost pain control tool, here: http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/deep-breathing-and-pain-management
Foam Rolling
The best video out there for safe, comprehensive foam rolling, from my friends at Cressey Performance, is available at this link https://youtu.be/8caF1Keg2XU
The Risks of Practicing Yoga
If you are considering adding yoga to your fitness routine, take a look at these articles from the New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/magazine/how-yoga-can-wreck-your-body.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=yoga%20injury&st=cse and http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/30/health/when-does-flexible-become-harmful-hot-yoga-draws-fire.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm
Massage helps to keep the Boston Red Sox on the field: http://www.nesn.com/2010/08/massages-as-vital-as-home-runs-in-keeping-red-sox-alive-in-pennant-race.html
Dara Torres, 12 time Olympic medalist (4 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze) used massage and stretching as part of her training for her historic comeback at the age of 41: http://backtoformfitness.com/dara-torres/