I see a sports massage therapist 1-2 times a month (I lift 3x a week, run a few times a week, and walk on non-running days).
The first few sessions cleared out a ton of tightness and knots, and I actually felt like I moved better. I swear that my lifting numbers went up a bit, too.
Nowadays, I get the hips worked on in every session. Front and back sides of the body, we alternate every session. Every time I leave, I end up running faster and my leg days feel way better.
On another point...
"Its well established in hands on palpation (actively touching a working muscle) actually increases neural drive to the muscle. Touch is powerful."
100% experienced this, at least for myself. I'll touch the muscle I'm working for single-handed exercises, like lateral raises and curls, and it improves the mind-muscle connection (while discouraging cheating).
I used to have a really good guy my wife used before we got married. He was a surgeon and would pull muscles apart and saved me back in my 30’s. Unfortunately he got old and I have not found anyone like him since and gave up looking.
I see a sports massage therapist 1-2 times a month (I lift 3x a week, run a few times a week, and walk on non-running days).
The first few sessions cleared out a ton of tightness and knots, and I actually felt like I moved better. I swear that my lifting numbers went up a bit, too.
Nowadays, I get the hips worked on in every session. Front and back sides of the body, we alternate every session. Every time I leave, I end up running faster and my leg days feel way better.
On another point...
"Its well established in hands on palpation (actively touching a working muscle) actually increases neural drive to the muscle. Touch is powerful."
100% experienced this, at least for myself. I'll touch the muscle I'm working for single-handed exercises, like lateral raises and curls, and it improves the mind-muscle connection (while discouraging cheating).
Thank you for this information Ajac.
I used to have a really good guy my wife used before we got married. He was a surgeon and would pull muscles apart and saved me back in my 30’s. Unfortunately he got old and I have not found anyone like him since and gave up looking.