Improving Performance through Sports Massage

The words “sport massage” usually generate images of hard-core athletes being rubbed down before intense athletic events or perhaps being treated for an injury following a game. It is true that sports massage is used on athletes to prepare their bodies for optimal performance, help them perform well during a training session and later help them to recover after a given event. But did you know that ordinary people can benefit from sports massage as well? The following are types of bodywork that sports masseuses use when helping athletes prepare or recover for their particular sport that can be used on you as well. 

Rehabilitation massage: This is primarily used to quickly heal injuries sustained by athletes like a stress fracture or a sprained ankle. When an athlete gets injured his body will attempt to heal itself by supplying blood and nutrients to the affected area. This influx of blood may cause inflammation of the injured part. Inflammation can be lessened by gently rubbing and applying pressuring the affected part.

Deep tissue massage: This is used to release tension in specific areas of the body especially where one is feeling stressed or fatigued. The sports therapist may use slow and deliberate strokes and apply deep pressure to the affected areas. You may feel a bit uncomfortable or even experience some pain during and after a deep tissue massage but the payoff will be great afterwards.

Swedish massage: This works both by relaxing the body and relieving muscle tension. The therapist applies pressure to strained muscles which increases the flow of oxygen to that area. Swedish massage helps to eliminate body toxins and is usually done using short and long strokes with fingers, palms and even elbows.

There are quite a few benefits to sports massage.  Some of them include:

Alleviating pain: when you engage in some sort of physical activity, there is tension that builds up in your soft tissues and this can result in some minor injuries, some of which can be quite painful. By getting a sports massage, you can easily alleviate this pain and therefore increasing mobility, flexibility, response time as well as your overall performance.

Improving blood circulation: One of the main reasons why your body muscles feel sore after a training session or an athletic event is because of poor blood circulation. Poor blood circulation means there is a low oxygen supply to the affected area which can result in a build-up of toxins. Sports massage will help to improve blood circulation therefore providing necessary nutrients to the affected muscles.

Other benefits that you will get through sports massage include:

Increased joint mobility

Improved mind-muscle link

Regulation of the release of hormones

Improved lymphatic system

Promotion of overall well being

When should you have sports massage?

Sports massage is particularly beneficial after strenuous activity or after an injury.  It is also helpful before a major physical undertaking like a marathon or triathlon. 

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