No Pain, No Gain...Maybe Not?
by Dr. Jason Venn
For people hoping to maximize their exercise
routine, buying into the "no pain, no gain"
concept might not be the best strategy. In
reality, hard work at the gym doesn't pay off if
muscles are overly stressed.
A new study released by the National
Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and
Bodywork (NCBTMB) reveals that more and more
consumers recognize the many benefits of
combining workouts with massage therapy, yet few
are actually using the combination.
Massage can benefit everyone from the elite
athlete, to the casual athlete, walker, runner
or the average gym-goer. Benefits of integrating
massage into an exercise routine can include:
1. Improved range of motion and strength.
2. Increasing oxygen in muscles to allow muscles
to endure longer periods of exercise.
3. Preventing injuries to muscles and tendons;.
4. Increasing energy and endurance; promoting
endorphin release to reduce pain caused by
constricted muscle fibers.
5. Maintaining good physical condition, which
can help improve overall performance.
The study conducted by Harris Interactive for
National Massage Safety Week 2004 (March 21st -
27th), also reveals that three in ten Americans
have received a massage in the past and yet only
27 percent of Americans getting massage ask if
their practitioner is Nationally Certified. In
order to maximize the benefits of massage,
health experts suggest that consumers be
selective when choosing a massage therapist.
"Choosing a massage therapist is like choosing
your family physician," said Judy Dean, RN,
NCTMB, chair-elect of NCBTMB. "You want someone
who is credible and who has a high level of
knowledge and competency.”
Editor’s Note: If you live in the North Dallas
area, try Charity Tuck at Venn Family
Chiropractic in Frisco, TX. 972-668-9200.
Dr. Venn is a graduate of Parker College with
a B.S. of anatomy and a Doctorate of
Chiropractic. He has taken over 320 extra
hours of study specializing in the Gonstead
system. He resides in Frisco, TX, where he
practices at Venn Family Chiropractic. Contact:
972-668-9200 or
drvenni@aol.com.
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