Travel Stick

Sports massage can has wonderful benefits to for those seeking better health and well being. There is no need to first be injured before you can realize the fantastic benefits of sports massage. Benefits are physical, psychological and physiological.

Massage has the potential to keep the body in a better general condition. Massage does its part to prevent injury and keep mobility loss at bay. Those with injured muscle tissue will find restored mobility. A good sports massage regimen can potentially boost athletic performance. Finally, massage may extend the length of your sporting career.

The physical benefits of massage are worth nothing. For example, massage has a "pumping" affect on the body. The masseuse makes long stroking motions across various muscle groups. This has the effect of moving fluid through the blood and lymph vessels. When you're able to vary the pressure of the stroke - specifically, making it harder - it creates a vacuum behind. This has the therapeutic result of allowing blood and fluid flow into damaged muscle tissue, which promotes healing.

At 17" long, it fits easily into any bag for travel on business trips, or just to the gym.

Reviews of the Travel Stick:
By M. Gormanson (Geoje, South Korea) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I've been having terrible calf strain from running and other various activities. I got the stick for Christmas and it has been amazing! The best time to use it is directly after exercising to get the lactic acid moving to help prevent sore muscles. I also take it into the shower with me and use it after I've been in about 10-15 minutes (or warm up my muscles with a heating pad prior to rolling). I wouldn't use this on "cold" muscles. All-in-all it is a great product. I also have a foam roller I got from the sports store which works great on tight IT Bands and sore hamstrings.

Deep massage allows for the pores in the membranes of various tissues to open up, which makes it easier for fluids and nutrients to flow in. Waste products, such as lactic acid, are more quickly passed out, making room for oxygen and other beneficial nutrients. Consequently, you'll experience faster healing of your damaged muscle tissue.

Massage encourages muscles to stretch, especially in ways that aren't easily achieved by traditional methods. Massage stretches muscles in two directions: lengthwise and sideways. Massage will also stretch the fascia around a muscle, relieving pressure and tension.

Massage breaks remaining scar tissue down. Scar tissue in the muscles is usually due to a previous injury, and can have long-term negative effects on the muscle. The general result is inflexible tissue, which in turn increases potential for future injuries.

Finally, massage improves tissue elasticity and opens microcirculation. Overly strenuous training will not help improve muscle tone and formation as much as one may think. Careful sportspersons will be sure that their training is always moving in a positive direction. With massage, tissues get stretched, improving tissue elasticity. Finally, massage elevates the level of blood flow to tissues, especially when combined with an exercise routine.

Massage is beneficial in many ways, not the least of which are described in detail here. Be sure to talk to your coaches or your massage therapist about making massage a regular part of your training regimen.

You can find more information on massage products like The Stick at The Fencing Stick. Many online stores sell sports massage and sports performance products which will help you in your quest for better athletic performance.