Research into post-exercise massage is hit and miss at the best of times. There are often claims that it will increase circulation, aid in the removal of toxins from the muscle tissue, and decrease inflammation. However recent research seems to indicate otherwise. Scientists from Queen’s University in Canada state that the exact opposite occurs – blood flow is impeded, thus impairing lactic acid removal. However, the study design did conduct the massage immediately after activity, so a smarter idea may be to leave a buffer zone of a few hours before getting a massage.
Source: Victoria Wiltshire, Veronica Poitras, Melissa Pak, Terence Hong, Jay Rayner, Michael E. Tschakovsky. Massage Impairs Rather Than Enhances Lactic Acid Removal From Muscle After Strenuous Exercise. Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Matt Cahill has worked extensively in the nutritional supplement field, and is the former CEO of Designer Supplements. During his time in the field has researched and developed prohormones, testosterone boosters, and other related compounds, both for his own company and others. 