Mechanical responses Mechanical responses occur as
a result of the pressures and movements of the hand on the
body. These actions stimulate venous and lymphatic drainage
and mildly stretch superficial and scar tissue. With friction massage connective tissue can be effectively
stretched, helping prevent rigidity in scar formation. By
the use of certain massage techniques; an athlete inactive
due to injury or swelling surrounding a joint, stagnation
of circulation may be prevented.
Physiological responses Massage is known to increase
circulation and as a result increase metabolism to the musculature
and aid in the removal of metabolites such as lactic acid, resulting
in the offsetting of muscle soreness and fatigue. It also assists
in offsetting venostasis and edema by increasing circulation
at and around the injury site, as well contributing in the normal
venous blood return to the heart.
The reflex effects of massage are processes that, in reaction
to nerve impulses triggered through rubbing the body, are
sent to one organ by afferent nerve fibres and returned to
another organ by efferent fibres. Reflex responses elicit
a number of organ reactions namely body relaxation, stimulation,
and increased circulation.Relaxation can be achieved by slow,
superficial stroking of the skin. It is a type of massage
that is beneficial for tense, anxious athletes who may require
gentle treatment.
Stimulation is achieved by quick,
brisk action that causes a contraction of superficial tissue.
The benefits derived by the athlete are predominantly psychological.
He or she feels invigorated after intense manipulation of
the tissue. This type of massage was part of warm-up routine
in the past, however it is less popular due to the time involved
and the knowledge that it is relatively ineffectual physiologically.
An overall improvement in circulation is achieved
with mechanical and reflex stimuli. Combined they cause the
capillaries to dilate and be drained of fluid as a result
of firm outside pressure, thus stimulating cell metabolism,
eliminating toxins, and increasing lymphatic and venous circulation.
This assists the healing process.
Psychological responses The tactile system (the use of touch) is one of the most sensitive
systems in the human organism. From earliest infancy
humans respond psychologically to being touched.
