Benefits of massage post COVID
Massage brings many health benefits, none so pertinent as post illness. Massage can be used as a rehabilitation in many ways. Not least of all after suffering from COVID-19. Read on to learn about massage after covid: what you need to know.
How soon can I have massage?
There is still little evidence around the benefits and dangers of massage after COVID. However, if we look at other respiratory infections such as influenza and rhinovirus, massage can be of benefit as soon as symptoms have become non-contagious.
As with the common cold and influenza it is best to avoid any kind of deep tissue or rigorous massage (Werner, 2019) due to the demands on the body for recovery. While you are in the acute phase, it is best to avoid any deep tissue massage. There are anecdotal reports of massage making a cold or flu worse, and/ or speeding up recovery. However, there is no published research on this matter.
What is the best type of massage
A COVID, influenza or common cold patient may benefit greatly from manual lymphatic drainage treatment. Working the lymphatic system can help remove congestion around the lungs, and sinus areas. While helping the system naturally flush out excess lymph fluids and help rebuild the immune system.
A preliminary report has also found that specific manual lymphatic drainage intervention may help to reduce fatigue symptoms related to Long COVID, perhaps preventing acute symptoms through early intervention. (Heald, et al. 2022)
Once you are recovered, a deep tissue massage may be beneficial. After having a cough, some people feel tension or even strain muscles in the chest, abdomen, back and shoulders. Massage to the diaphragm, intercostals (muscles in between the ribs) and neck can greatly improve breathing.
Cupping can also help release the muscles in and around the chest. Particularly in between the ribs where muscles tension can cause limited inhalation.
If you are still feeling the ache of infection, it is best to wait until these symptoms have subsided before having massage.
Other way massage can be beneficial after COVID;
Stress relief
Massage has been proven to increase the body’s natural production of serotonin and oxytocin by the simple act of touch. The pandemic has been such a stress time for most of us. A massage can help reduce the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, improve sleep quality and increase the ’feel good’ hormones.
Relieve tensions
Many have been working from home in less than ideal situations. Laptops on laps, with the kids at the dining table or simply sitting at the desk for hours on end without a break. Poor posture while working for extended periods can take it’s toll on our body. Neck pain leading to headaches, and lower back stiffness due to sitting long periods are two of the most common symptoms in desk workers over the last few years.
Getting back to your normal exercise routine
Many of us got out of our normal exercise routine. With limited time outdoors, no access to gyms or sports, many have switched to running or at home exercise. Many lost the motivation to exercise at all. Now that lockdowns are over, you may also be feeling the aches and pains of returning to exercise after some time off.
Massage can help reduce the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and help your readjust back into exercise or back to your usual routine.
If you have injured yourself, getting back to exercise myotherapy can help assess your pain and with the use of massage and prescribed strengthening, help rehabilitate you back to fitness and good health
