Sports massages are an essential part of a recovery routine. A sports massage is a specialised form of massage that focuses on areas of the body that are most affected by vigorous physical activity and/or sports-related injuries. It helps to reduce pain, improve range of motion, improve circulation, and provide stress relief, facilitating optimal performance. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a sports massage is and what it does.
Introduction: What is a sports massage?
Sports massage is an increasingly popular form of massage therapy for athletes, as well as those who just enjoy being active. These specialised massages focus on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and loading movements.
Sports massage can be used as a preventative measure against muscle injuries and enhance athletic performance! So, if you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level, consider giving Sports Massage a try.
What are the benefits of a sports massage?
Sports massages are a great way to improve your performance and reduce tension or pain you may be feeling in your body. They can also help recover from injuries and relieve chronic back pain both for athletes and non-athletes. Here are some of the key benefits of sports massages that you should consider:
- Increased Performance – Sports massage is fantastic for improving performance by loosening tight muscles, it helps you move faster and better. Regular sports massages help you achieve peak performance by allowing muscles to stay function better during tough workouts and speeding up recovery by addressing inflammation as it arises.
- Reduced Tension – Sports massage is the most effective way to reduce tension in muscles and joints. The massage helps to increase blood flow, allowing your body to more effectively get rid of toxins and lactic acid build-up. This can also help with reducing overall soreness and tension in your body.
- Injury Prevention – Sports massage is great for preventing injuries because it helps improve flexibility and range of motion. Deep and specific massage to tight muscles helps them become more relaxed, which can reduce the risk of developing strains or tears. Regular sports massages can also help detect and address any mechanical problems before they become serious.
- Pain Relief – People looking to treat chronic pain most commonly look to sports massage for treatment. Massaging sore muscles helps reduce inflammation and promote healing and address biomechanical issues that may cause pain.
Sports massage is an excellent way to improve your performance, reduce tension, prevent injuries, and provide relief from chronic pain. Speak to your doctor, physical therapist or trainer about adding this type of massage into your routine.
Who can benefit from a sports massage?
Sports massage is beneficial for all types of athletes, from those who just enjoy a good weekend jog to professional and semi-professional athletes.
Sports massages help those who suffer from back pain that may impair physical activities. It provides relief from tightness and stiffness, which reduces the strain of posture and activity on the back and neck. This not only reduces pain, but also improves mobility and range of motion. Further, sports massages can help improve flexibility, reducing stress on the spine and muscles.
For those who play sports or exercise on a regular basis, sports massage is highly recommended.
Overall, sports massage is great for anyone looking to reduce back pain and improve physical performance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who just likes to get some exercise, sports massage improves your quality of life.
How often should you get a sports massage?
When it comes to how often someone should get a sports massage, it depends on individual needs.
Generally for the most physically active among us, these people should aim to receive a sports massage once every two to four weeks. This schedule can help improve your performance by reducing pain, aiding recovery, increasing range of motion, and preventing future injuries.
For those who do not engage in regular physical activity, occasional sports massages are beneficial. The frequency of such sessions would depend on the individual needs and lifestyle. But once every 1-3 months is common. As its preventative, you should not wait until you experience pain or tightness in your muscles before scheduling a sports massage.
How should you prepare for a sports massage?
There are a few steps to take to prepare for a sports massage and make the most of your session. Here are a few to consider:
- Arrive at the sports massage clinic a few minutes early so you have time to fill out any necessary paperwork and get settled so you’re not rushing, eg using the bathroom or getting a glass of water before treatment.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the therapist to access the areas of the body that are being targeted.
- Let the therapist know about any specific concerns or issues you have with your muscles or body in general.
- If you have any medical conditions or past surgeries, be sure to let the therapist know before the massage begins. Very old surgeries can have an impact on present biomechanical issues and some medical conditions may need to be specifically accommodated during treatment or very rarely, treatment may be to be deferred. These are usually temporary.
- Drink plenty of water before and after the massage to help your muscles stay hydrated and healthy.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal immediately before the massage, as this can make you feel uncomfortable during the session.
- Try to relax and breathe deeply during the massage, as this can help your muscles to release tension and feel more relaxed.
What should you expect during a sports massage?
During a sports massage, therapists use a combination of kneading, stretching, and compression techniques to improve circulation, reduce tension, and promote relaxation.
Sports massage is a lot more physical than regular massages and will require you to get into different positions regularly and move different parts of your body in order to target specific joints and muscles.
Can I keep my clothes on during a sports massage?
Typically, during a sports massage, you will be asked to remove at least some of your clothing so that the therapist can access the muscles that are being targeted. The therapist may use massage oil or lotion to help them move their hands smoothly over your skin. The amount of clothing you are asked to remove will depend on the specific areas of the body that are being targeted, as well as your personal preferences. If you have any concerns about removing your clothing for the massage, it is best to discuss them with the therapist beforehand so that you can come up with a plan that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
What should you do after a sports massage?
After a sports massage, it is generally recommended to take it easy for the rest of the day and allow your body to recover. You should rest for 24-48 hours. This means avoiding strenuous activities or exercise, and instead focusing on relaxing and allowing your muscles to heal. In most cases, you should be able to return to your normal routine the next day but be sure to listen to your body and take it easy if you are feeling sore or uncomfortable.
What should you not do after a sports massage?
After a sports massage, there are a few things you should avoid doing in order to help your body recover and benefit from the massage. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity immediately after the massage, as this can put too much stress on your muscles when they are already relaxed.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, as this can dehydrate your muscles and make it more difficult for your body to recover from the massage.
- Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long, as this can cause your muscles to stiffen up. Try to move around and stretch gently to keep your muscles loose and flexible.
