Can massage therapy and stretching be used to improve flexibility in the hips

Yes. Some have gotten very good results from trigger point therapy (thanks Dr. Janet Travell) applied first, followed by a specific protocol of assisted stretch therapy, such as AIS, for the lower body, targeting IT band, TFL, glutes, piriformis, adductors, etc.

Yes. Massage & stretching can be very helpful with improving the range of motion, fluidity & flexibility of any major joint of the body. Of course, if any injuries or conditions r involved, then special precautions r warranted. The key to any stretch & exercise routine is consistency. The proper consistent stretch routine would probably offer longer lasting affects than just massage itself. The massage work may hasten the flexibility gains & help u work through deep-seated tension throughout the hips, thus allowing quicker release of these areas. One consideration is why r the hips so tight? Are u continuing to do something in ur daily routines that create this tightness? If there is something identified, can that be altered to decrease its affects on the hips? Types of massage to look for in therapists would be medical massage, sports massage, myofascial release and/or neuromuscular therapy certifications or training. Special considerations to biomechanics & muscle re-education r typically part of the training to help people with exactly what u r looking to find. Physical therapy might be another avenue to try as well. All therapists will have different approaches, so keep looking for that combination that will work for you. I wish u well in ur pursuit.

Hi Michael,

Actually physiotherapy is one option most people go to & it is normally very long before seeing any results.

Massotherapy will most definitely help if the proper manoeuvers r done in order to help u regain flexibility & combining it with stretching is great but do not go over discomfort level (pain will not make it come back faster & might even elevate the gravity).

There is a special massage technique which is called Massage Yoga Thai which combines massage & stretching. Where someone helps u into some yoga positions in order for u to regain elasticity/flexibility, releases tensions & helps the energy flow in the body.
If u do not have anyone doing this in ur region, perhaps either Jin Shin Do or Shiatsu.

Massage Yoga Thai School : http://lotuspalm.com
which is all over the globe. In Montreal, the teacher truly masters it is technique which he brought from Japan I believe from one of the best renowned around the world (can not remember his name - my course in this particular technique was over a year ago & I only remembered the movements which I need to do when working on someone).

Quantum touch is something u should also definitely look into for simply with applying the hands on someone, there is an energy transfer (but beware, there r lots of so called ''pros'' in it that know diddly squat in their fields or have no relevent experience whatsoever.

Hope u find someone good in ur region,

P.S./ If u r in Montreal, gimme a buzz ; I will charge u ONLY if u get results. & trust me working this way, I am sure of what I am doing else I'd be on the street quicker then
anyone else with this principle ! I cannot diagnose, we r not allowed to, & am not in a position to promiss anything, so this is why I have instored this politic for all my clients & I am always looking for new goals/''défis''. It is how one learns best.

Daniel - massagesante2005.com

Send me an e-mail if u have any other questions.