Why should be having regular massages?

Everyone knows Massage can help relax, de-stress tired muscles and bring back function to the body. And we are not just talking her about ‘normal’ function as it applies to the general population, but normal for dancers, which is considerable different in terms of range of movement and muscle control.
 
Often dancers will have specific muscle imbalances; mostly dancers perform repetitive movements with their lower limbs. The movements require a high level of dynamic control through the whole hip area. An example is the 'grand battement',  where you are working the legs, glutes, inner thigh, hip, abdominals & pelvis, these are all put under strain and not mentioning your arms that are in a beautiful position as well as your neck long and head poised.
 
It is very important to listen to your Body. Stretching is important as you will read about in further issues, however the stretching you do in class is not enough  to help in  injury prevention. Even if you are not considering dance as a professional careen you should still look after your body by going to a physio or massage therapist for assistance with pain or stretching difficulties at least once a month. And if you are considering a professional career or in a full time course or doing class more than 3 times a week. Massage should be incorporated at least once a fortnight.
 
There are many styles of massage and one great for dancers is hot stone therapy this incorporates warmed stones massaged into the muscles. Because they are heated they increase the blood flow a lot quick and muscles can be massage deeper without the pain of deep tissue.  The stones can also be used cool and is often related to cryotherapy, this is especially useful to dancers after an injury.
 
Having a sports massage or deep tissue massage doesn't always mean there is pain involved. Like stretching there is sometimes discomfort, however spending a little time on your body to improve movement, flexibility and strength is a lot better than having months off due to a strained or pulled hamstrings!!!
 
The main focus of massage is used to help elevate pain but one important factor is always forgotten, PREVENTION is better than a Cure!  Having a massage regularly will assist in preventing an injury and considerably help with getting those side splits and high kicks all the way!!!