
11. Elbow Massage
Often, elbow massage starts with a hand massage to stimulate the muscles and make it feel relaxed. After you’ve finished the hand massage mentioned above, use one hand to hold the wrist and the other to cup the elbow. As you cup the elbow, make a circular motion and massage it. Repeat this at least three times. Then, stroke down the arm using a firm grip, working from elbow to wrist. With each stroke downward, you’re going to continue down the hand and stroke each finger. Finish by gently squeezing the finger you are working on before repeating the movements. You’ll want to use a lotion or massage oil for this type of massage, especially if you’re performing it on someone that has a little more hair on their arms. It can be painful if you pull at it.
The biggest benefits of elbow massage are for people that have tennis elbow or elbow strains. With tennis elbow, flare-ups are often caused by toxins triggering inflammation in the area. Elbow massage relieves pain by releasing these toxins so they can be removed by the lymphatic system and filtered out of the body. It also offers benefits for the tissue and muscle in the area. As massage encourages blood flow, it also brings the oxygen and nutrients needed to promote healing. Furthermore, massage increases flexibility and range of motion so the joints and tissues in the elbow bend easier. This is important, especially since people often need use of their arms in their day-to-day lives. Deep tissue massage that targets the tendons and muscles rather than promoting relaxation is best for this type of injury/condition, so don’t be afraid to use pressure while you’re massaging.