By Mindy Solkin
Owner and Head Coach
The Running Center

Did you know that there are over 600 muscles in your body? After several weeks or months of running training, I'm sure that some of these muscles have spoken to you, crying out and saying, "Hey, enough already, I'm kind of in a knot, can you knead me out?"

If you haven't been doing it all along, now is the time to treat yourself to a Sports Massage. I have been getting massages for 20 years now, and feel that they have really helped me to stay injury-free (along with stretching, strength training, acupuncture, and listening to my body). There are many types of massage, but sports massage is more therapeutic, incorporating deep-tissue and cross-friction movements aimed at specific muscles. Some sports massage therapists may also perform stretching and strengthening techniques, too. Here are some of the benefits to a runner.

1) Brings oxygen and blood to the tissues, which helps to repair the tiny tears called micro traumas that occur when you run, and which must be patched with scar tissue.

2) Frees up scar tissue by bringing it in line with muscle tissue to loosen stiffness and muscle restriction.

3) Enables you to recover more quickly from the stress of running (especially the longer runs) so that you can continue to train at a high level.

4) Increases flexibility which helps to improve (or at least keep) your stride length.

5) Speeds circulation and reduces swelling, thereby preventing injuries or healing existing injuries more quickly.

6) Promotes relaxation, creating a positive effect both physically and mentally.

Remember, you are an athlete so treat yourself accordingly. After all, everyone needs to be kneaded!