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Masseur's message on massage

California-based masseur's tips on injury-prevention served as eye-opener to many, says J. R. SHRIDHARAN

PHOTO: RAJU. V.

RELIEVING FROM PAIN A demo on massaging techniques

One should breathe like a whale, drink (water) like an elephant, stretch like a tiger and move like a bear for a healthy life.

These were the tips offered by Mantena Nagaraju, a physiotherapist and masseur practising at California, United States of America, to the denizens in his interactive session at Vijayawada recently.

The few hours of interactive meeting, interspersed with practical sessions, came handy to many sports buffs, including the physical directors, physical education teachers and many professional sportspersons, to clear their heads of doubts on injury-prevention in sports and recovery through massage and stretching exercises.

An athlete from Bapatla in Guntur district, Nagaraju, after completing Masters in Physical Education and diploma from National Institute of Sports (Patiala), is now based at California and is actively involved in injury prevention and stress management in sports. "Walking, stretching and massaging are three important mantras for a healthy and fit life, especially for sportspersons," says he.

Natural healing

Explaining the rudiments of massaging, Nagaraju said a masseur provides healing treatments through manipulation of soft body tissue and muscles, using their hands, or sometimes elbows and feet. "They aim to increase well-being and stimulate natural healing."

Emphasizing on the imperativeness of stretching, Nagaraju said in today's world, the nature of lifestyle was much less active. "We have, over the last few years, become much more sedentary. This is mainly due to the advances in technology. Sitting for prolonged hours becomes the most common posture. We no longer need to stand up and walk to perform many of the daily chores. We do it all on our PC. After being seated for any length of time at a desk or in a car, plane, train or a sofa, the act of standing becomes difficult as the muscles become shortened. Stretching helps to re-set the resting tone to be longer," he explained. Badminton players from SAAP Academy and kabaddi players explained their niggling injuries to Mr. Nagaraju and sought his advice.

Mr. Nagaraju also advised the gathering to walk straight. "One should walk straight. If you walk by spreading your legs either sides, you are adding extra pressure to your hip, leading to discomfort in the long run," he said.

SAAP and SAI coaches Vinayak Prasad (athletics), Ram Moham (gymnastics), Jhansi (Kabaddi), Rajendra Prasad (Basketball) and others interacted with the masseur from the California.

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