Sports Massage
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Sports massage is a special form of massage therapy that is focused on the needs of athletes. You do not have to be a professional athlete to benefit from sports massage. Anyone who is physically active on a regular basis can benefit from this type of massage. A sports massage focuses on stretching tight muscles and relieving tension that can cause injury.
A sports massage uses a combination of massage techniques, from light touch to deep tissue massage, depending on your specific needs. Different sports require the use of different muscle groups. A sports massage will target the muscles that are most often used in your sport of choice.
Repetitive motion can cause muscle strain and pain due to overuse, especially in muscles such as hamstrings, calves, the IT band, and rotator cuffs. Overuse of one muscle group can also have a negative impact on surrounding muscles. Sports massage can help to alleviate these issues and help you perform at your best every day. Sports massage can also help you to recover from injury.
Athletes at all levels, from professional to novice, can benefit from a sports massage. Exercise is hard on your body and a sports massage can help you to recover and heal.
Because sports massage is a customized service, we recommend booking a 60-minute or 90-minute appointment to allow the therapist to assess and work through your areas of concern.
Benefits of Sports Massage
There are many benefits of sports massage. If you are a competitive athlete and want your body to perform at its peak level, a sports massage can help. Or, if you are a casual athlete and want to improve your endurance, flexibility, or range of motion, a sports massage might be just what you need.
Here are some of the benefits of sports massage:
- Enhances overall performance
- Improves flexibility
- Increases range of motion
- Increases endurance
- Relieves soreness and muscle cramps due to overuse
- Reduces pain
- Prevents injury
Recovery from Injury
For an athlete, an injury can be especially frustrating because it limits your ability to perform and stay active at the level you desire. If you are recovering from an injury, a sports massage can help keep your recovery on track. Many people have to slow down their activities due to an acute injury, such as a sprain or strain. Others may suffer from chronic injury or muscle pain during physical activities. A sports massage can help with all of these issues, including:
- Neck Pain
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Tight Hamstrings and Calves
- Sprains and Strains
- Joint Pain and Stiffness
Strengthen and Repair with Sports Massage
Sports massage can help to strengthen and repair soft tissue, as well as minimizing the formation of scar tissue around an injured area. The gentle, yet targeted pressure from a sports massage can speed recovery and help you manage any pain you might be experiencing.
If you have recently had surgery or a medical procedure, please check with your doctor prior to scheduling a massage service to make sure it is the right thing for you.
Do I Need a Sports Massage?
Anyone can benefit from a sports massage. When you exercise, it can cause your muscles to tighten up, and put stress on your joints. A sports massage can help to release tension and relax your muscles, so they perform better. Whether you are looking to improve your golf or tennis game, enhance your morning jog or bike ride, or maximize your performance at a competitive sporting event, a sports massage can help.
Not stretching properly before a workout is the most common cause of injury. Many athletes will ignore minor aches and pains until they turn into a full-blown injury. If you feel pain, you should not only consult with your doctor, but consider a sports massage to help alleviate pain and improve flexibility and performance. Regular massage can help prevent injury. It is also a great treatment for minor strains and sprains and can help you heal faster.
When is the Best Time for a Sports Massage?
Sports massage can offer benefits prior to a sporting event, or afterwards. It is most beneficial as ongoing therapy. The type of massage techniques will vary based on when you choose to do it, so be sure to talk to your massage therapist about your goals and any upcoming sports-related activities or events. That way, you can make sure to get the right type of massage for your specific situation.
Here are a few general tips about when to get a sports massage:
Before an Event
Getting a sports massage before a big race or competition can offer benefits such as relieving muscle tension and improving flexibility and range of motion. If you have never had a massage before, you should book your appointment a few weeks before the event, so you have a chance to see how your body reacts. If you have had a sports massage previously, then it is standard to book your massage anywhere from two to seven days before a big event or competition. Having a massage less than 48 hours prior to a sporting event is typically not recommended.
After an Event
Getting a sports massage after an event has a slightly different focus. The massage therapist may use a lighter touch and target any areas of soreness from the event. A sports massage can help to release tension and aid the body’s recovery. If you are a seasoned athlete, you can schedule your massage within a day or two after your sporting event or race. If you have just completed your first marathon, for example, you may want to wait three to four days before scheduling your service. Otherwise, your body might be too sore to fully benefit from the massage experience.
Part of Ongoing Training
If you are physically active on a regular basis, you might find that it helps to schedule regular sports massages. You can choose the interval that works best for you. Getting a massage every few weeks, or even once a month, can yield huge benefits in terms of improved performance and flexibility. Sports massage is good for the mind and body, helping you to relax and focus.
How to Get the Most from Your Sports Massage
Here are a few tips that will help you make sure to get what you need from your massage therapist and have an overall positive experience during your sports massage:
- Schedule sufficient time for the massage. We recommend a 60-minute or 90-minute session to allow the therapist to target your specific areas of concern.
- Talk to your massage therapist about your level of physical activity, any pain points, and what you hope to gain from the sports massage.
- Communicate with your massage therapist throughout the experience to ensure the level of pressure and targeted muscle areas are working for you.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make your muscles stiff, which can cause discomfort during the massage.
- Avoid eating a large meal two to three hours before your massage. Have only a light snack.
- Avoid scheduling a workout immediately after your massage. Give your body a day to recover and process what has happened.
- If you desire, soak in a bath in the evening, after your massage, to help offset any muscle soreness and continue to allow your body to rest.
Once your body recovers, you should feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for your next workout!
