In this video, Dr. Starrett discusses the importance and benefits of soft tissue mobilization. There are 3 key reasons to incorporate this behavior into your routine. First, to maneuver through pain by desensitizing the muscle tissue so that you can move again. Second, to change position- improve biomechanics of the area to move more fluid and work harder, and lastly, to enhance your adaptation response to training. Not everyone has access to an on-staff massage therapist like pro athletes do. However, all that’s needed to achieve soft tissue mobilization is a daily 10 minute soft tissue practice, done in the evening. This routine will reduce DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), restore your “go signal,” and help you manage the adaptation response (improve blood flow, hydration, etc.).
In this video, Dr. Starrett discusses the importance and benefits of soft tissue mobilization. There are 3 key reasons to incorporate this behavior into your routine. First, to maneuver through pain by desensitizing the muscle tissue so that you can move again. Second, to change position- improve biomechanics of the area to move more fluid and work harder, and lastly, to enhance your adaptation response to training. Not everyone has access to an on-staff massage therapist like pro athletes do. However, all that’s needed to achieve soft tissue mobilization is a daily 10 minute soft tissue practice, done in the evening. This routine will reduce DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), restore your “go signal,” and help you manage the adaptation response (improve blood flow, hydration, etc.).
When people stick to this practice, there are a few common themes in the results. First, that it’s easy to maintain. 10 minutes a night isn’t difficult to get in regularly, and that time adds up quickly; around 70 minutes a week is a substantial amount of soft tissue recovery. Second, people feel better, so the practice encourages itself. Athletes will do what works, and remove what doesn’t. Lastly, athletes tend to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, due to the relationship between soft tissue mobilization and the parasympathetic system. Essentially: soft tissue work is soothing, and helps your body shift into a relaxed state as you unwind in the evening.
