by Dr. Jessica Seaton and Jeanne Underwood

Over the past 20 years massage therapy has become increasingly popular with 
athletes and non-athletes alike. Many of us consider a weekly massage one of 
the ultimate pleasures in life, allowing our slowly aging and tired bodies to 
completely let go and relax. 

Aside from feeling and good and being relaxing, what else does massage do 
for the body? Massage stimulates both the skin and the underlying muscles, 
tendons, and in some cases, ligaments. It can also either stimulate or 
soothe the nervous system. The act of rubbing, kneading, and pushing helps
the body to eliminate metabolic waste products in general and especially
locally. It has also been postulated that massage may increase the bodies
secretions and excretions, as well as the blood's oxygen carrying capacity.

I am just getting back into shape. Will massage help me?
Most people just beginning or resuming and exercise program experience some 
degree of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This usually peaks at about 48 
hours post-exercise. Studies have shown that sports massage will reduce DOMS, 
especially when administered 2 hours post-exercise. 

What kinds of massage are there?
There are many different types of massage. Some types or techniques are named 
after the therapist who developed them (i.e., rolfing developed by Ida Rolf), 
others describe the tissues theyÕre affecting (i.e., myofascial release). 
Some massage therapists use only one technique (i.e., Shiatsu), others have 
a grab bag of techniques, depending upon the client and their needs. Some 
examples of the different types of massage available include:
1. Circulatory massage: a more superficial, stimulating massage. This includes
 the Esalen type (slower pace) and Swedish (fast paced).
2. Deep tissue: deep work into the muscles, slower pace (includes Heller 
technique, rolfing).
3. Specific work: triggerpoint work (very specific points).
4. Shiatsu: rhythmic compression along the body's meridians. Includes stretching. 
5. Sports massage: light, pumping type of work. The emphasis is on stretching and 
flexibility.

What kind of a massage should I get the day before a meet?
If you are feeling sluggish, a light circulatory massage, such as an Esalen type 
massage would be helpful. If you are feeling find, and are used to deeper work, a 
deep tissue massage would be fine.


How about the day of the meet?
If you have not yet swum or are between events, a light circulatory massage
would be best. If you get deep work before you swim, you may end up 
feeling sluggish while you swim.After the meet, a circulatory or deep 
(again, if that's what you're used to) massage will help you to recover
faster. While studies have refuted claims that post-exercise massage will
make you stronger, they have affirmed that it will speed up you recovery.
Generally it is wise to stay away from deep massage right before and during
your event.

I injured my thigh muscles during the meet. Should I get massage?
Generally it is better to wait 24 to 48 hours after an injury before you get 
massage therapy. However, you should have you sacroiliac joints and low back
evaluated by a chiropractor to make sure that the reason for you muscle injury
was not due to a biomechanical problem in those areas (that, and not warming 
up properly are the most common reasons for groin pulls, adductor, quad, 
and hamstring strains during swimming). After an injury, your massage therapist
should start with lighter, more superficial techniques. As you heal, then 
deeper work may be warranted. 

What should I do after I get a massage?
This depends on where you are, and what you have scheduled for the day. Under 
ideal circumstances (such as in a spa setting) you would take a warm bath, 
drink plenty of water, and do a really good stretch. Even if you can't find
the time for a warm bath, it is important to drink a lot of water and to 
stretch at least before you go to bed at night. 

Are there times when a massage is not a good idea?
There are definitely times when a massage would be bad for you. If you 
think you are getting a cold or getting sick or you actually are sick,
a massage will only make you worse. It is too much for the body to handle.
Also if you are over-fatigued, a massage may be too much for you. If
you have any open sores or skin conditions massage may be contra-indicated.
If you have any doubt about whether you should get a massage or not, a
well-trained massage therapist should be able to tell you if a massage 
would be a good idea for you or not. 

Dr. Jessica Seaton is a chiropractic orthopedist who has been in private practice 
in West Los Angeles for over ten years. She swims and competes with West 
Hollywood Aquatics. Jeanne Underwood is a licensed massage therapist and 
physical therapy assistant with a background in athletic training. She works both 
independently and out of the office of Dr. Seaton (phone: 310/470-0282 or e-mail 
Jseaton@aol.com).