Why Getting a Massage on an Inflamed Area is a Bad Idea (And What You Should Do Instead)
So, you’re feeling a bit like a bruised banana—sore, swollen, and in desperate need of relief. Naturally, your first thought might be, “Hey, I’ll just get a massage. That’ll fix everything, right?” Wrong. Massaging an inflamed area is about as smart as poking a bear with a stick and expecting a hug in return. Here’s why you should hit pause on that massage appointment and what you can do instead.
What Happens When You Massage an Inflamed Area?
Imagine your body’s inflamed area as a construction zone. There’s a lot of work going on—cells repairing tissue, blood rushing in, everything’s a bit chaotic. Now, when you massage that area, it’s like sending a bulldozer through that construction site. You’re not helping; you’re causing more chaos. Massage increases blood flow, which can lead to more swelling, more pain, and more downtime. Think of it as throwing fuel on a fire—nobody wins except maybe the fire.
Why Massaging an Inflamed Area is a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Idea
Your body’s pretty smart. It’s trying to heal itself, and that inflammation is part of the process. But when you add massage to the mix, you’re basically telling your body, “Nope, let’s make things worse.” Massaging an inflamed area can break down tissue, increase bleeding, and delay recovery. It’s like trying to fix a cracked phone screen by smashing it with a hammer—it’s not going to end well (Sportsinjuryclinic.net) (dummies - Learning Made Easy).
How Long Should You Wait Before Getting a Massage?
Patience, grasshopper. If you’ve got an inflamed area, it’s best to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before even thinking about a massage. Give your body some time to chill out and start the healing process. After this initial waiting period, and only if the inflammation has subsided, you can consider a gentle massage to help with circulation and recovery. But if things are still red, swollen, and painful—hold off (Integrative Healthcare).
How to Reduce Inflammation (Without Making Things Worse)
While you’re waiting for the inflammation to calm down, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:
- R.I.C.E. Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—these four are your best friends when it comes to reducing inflammation. They help control swelling and manage pain without making things worse.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Right: Drink plenty of water and load up on anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, and fish. Your body will thank you.
- Consider Supplements: If you want to give your body an extra boost, check out this anti-inflammatory supplement. It’s designed to help reduce inflammation naturally.
- Muscle Recovery Formula: Once you’re past the worst of it, you might want to try this muscle recovery formula to help your body bounce back faster.
Why See a Trained Specialist in Trigger Point Therapy?
Now, once the inflammation has finally bid you farewell, it’s time to tackle any lingering pain or tightness. This is where a trained specialist in trigger point therapy comes in. Trigger point therapy targets those pesky knots in your muscles that are causing all that discomfort. By releasing these knots, a specialist can help you regain mobility and reduce pain—without sending you back to square one.
And if you’re lucky enough to be in the Las Vegas area, do yourself a favor and book an appointment with Shawn (Beck) at Prime Bodyworks of Las Vegas. Shawn’s got the skills to help you recover safely and effectively, ensuring you’re not just another statistic of self-inflicted massage disasters. You can book your appointment with him here.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe will help you out—because nobody likes being sore and inflamed.
For more tips on naturally reducing inflammation, be sure to check out my other article, Inflammation Diet for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Reducing Inflammation Naturally.
