We need to brush our muscles like we do our teeth. Tension builds on our muscles just like plaque build on our teeth every day.
If we take care of our muscles like we do our teeth, we will Feel Better, Live Young and Live Longer.
Dr. Brent Rassi
Hey Central Illinois! Have you been working from home and thinking of purchasing an at-home massage device? I think it’s a great idea, if you’re safe while using it… Below I’m going to talk about what these devices are intended to be used for, how to safely use them, and when to not use them.
How do these instruments benefit us?
They help us by using vibration! These tools use vibration to help mobilize fascia, our superficial tissues. They make the tissue less viscous or thick, which allows them to slide better against one another. This allows us to have more motion and feel like we are “warmed up”. Vibration also helps with fluid distribution by helping drain lymph fluid and edema into circulation. What I really like about these instruments is that it helps fire up our Central Nervous System. In our muscles we have these receptors called Golgi Tendon Organs, or GTO’s. These GTO’s inhibit or relax our muscles, so they allow them to relax and stretch. This is great when we are recovering from a workout or recovering from the terrible postures that work puts us in day-to-day.
When to use these instruments:
- Relax tight muscles
- Break up scar tissue and adhesion’s
- Minimize soreness and tension
- Speed up recovery after workouts
- Research suggests it could prevent DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
Check out this video on how to SAFELY use these instruments:
When NOT to use Them:
Muscle Strains/Sprains Muscle/ligament strains/sprains or “pulled muscles” get injured when they’re stretched past their normal range of motion. When severely strained/sprained, percussion or vibration therapy can further damage the muscles or ligaments. The recommended way to treat is the PRICE method (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Broken Bones This may seem obvious, but even if the bone has mostly healed, avoid percussion/vibration therapy. This can further make the healing more difficult and even cause more damage. Consult with your physician before performing mechanical massage to damaged area. Chronic Conditions- Hypertension
- Severe Varicose Veins
- Conditions that have affected blood vessels
- Osteoporosis
- Muscular disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, etc.
Be safe when using these tools!
Do your research when purchasing mechanical massage tools and please be SAFE when using. I have been very happy with the Hypervolt, made by Hyperice, Inc. Dicks Sporting Goods in Peoria, IL does sell the Hypervolt and the Theragun! These tools can be great for recovery and increasing motion, but they can do more harm than good if you’re not using them right. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate reaching out!This post and video are intended for educational use. They are not intended to treat or diagnose. If you have an injury or concern always consult with your physician or therapist before attempting any of these techniques.