Sports Therapy Massage is a remarkably restorative for everyone –
from Weekend Warriors to Competitive Professionals.
Sports massage is a targeted corrective treatment for the unique physical and biomechanical requirements of athletes.
A sports massage incorporates techniques using quick and vigorous strokes on localized body parts where a particular activity may have caused tension and muscle adhesions. Throughout the massage, the provider will manipulate the soft tissue to prevent or improve sports injuries. Sports massage works deep in the muscles, realigning the muscle fibers and connective tissue, and flushing away the built-up toxins. Taking advantage of these specific strokes and stretches will help obtain maximum performance and physical conditioning with less chance of injury or pain. It increases power, endurance, and flexibility both before and after an event or workout. Regular sessions will increase joint mobility and flexibility and reduce the risk of injury during exercise.
Research published in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy describes sports massage as ‘a collection of massage techniques performed on athletes or active individuals to aid rehabilitation or treat pathology.’ It is a therapeutic massage designed to accommodate active people to prevent and address injuries while engaging in their favorite sport. It helps athletes better prepare their bodies for an upcoming competition, and it can also enhance their performance during the event. It is essential to understand that athletes have different needs concerning sports therapy massage sessions; each session is tailored to the recipient’s specific needs.
Analysis has proven that pre-event sports therapy massages can present athletes with additional benefits. These often include experiencing lower blood pressure, an increase in strength, and improvements in flexibility.
A sports therapy massage helps to condition the muscles of athletes of all skill levels. The Massage Therapist will identify the frequency and types of physical activities of the recipient, and they use the information to apply the proper massage techniques to various muscle groups. Professional athletes employ sports massage therapists to condition their muscles before sporting events; they also help to recover after particularly strenuous training and athletic events. Sports therapy massage therapists can work with professional sports figures, amateur athletes, and weekend warriors.
**There is usually some stiffness or soreness after a deep tissue massage; the massage therapist may recommend applying ice/heat to the area after the massage
New to massage? Book your first appointment either well before your scheduled event or wait until the day after. Just like a runner would not test out new socks or shoes on the day of the race, you should not experiment with any pre-event bodywork.
Those who are familiar with bodywork can benefit from a pre-event session in the seven to two-day window before an event.
DID YOU KNOW??? Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), described as muscle pain and tenderness that develops several hours post-exercise, primarily if the exercise consists of predominantly explosive muscle actions. Some preventive or therapeutic modalities may be useful for alleviating DOMS. In contrast, others may enhance the recovery of muscle function without affecting DOMS. Massage sessions were effective in alleviating DOMS by approximately 30% and reducing swelling; however, it had no effects on muscle function.
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