Did you know that you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of a sports massage? Even if you simply engage in regular physical exercise, a sports massage can make a noticeable difference. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who enjoys going to the gym, a sports massage can be incredibly beneficial. If you’re curious about what sports massage entails and how it can help you, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at sports massage, exploring its benefits, how often you should get a sports massage, and more.
What is a sports massage?
Sports massage is a specific type of massage that targets soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and fascia that are used in athletic activities. It is designed to enhance athletic performance, reduce pain, prevent injury, encourage focus, and shorten recovery time. Sports massage is not just for athletes, anyone who exercises regularly can benefit from it.
What are the benefits of sports massage?
Improved Flexibility: According to NLM, Sports Massage can reduce the risk of injuries by increasing flexibility and reducing rigidity. Tense muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues can prevent your body from experiencing its full range of motion. Additionally, as we get older, our bodies become less flexible unless we do something about it.
Injury Prevention and Recovery: With the nature of exercise and sports, there is a high likelihood that injuries can occur due to their nature. To support your body in preventing and recovering from injuries, regular massages are recommended and may even require a higher frequency to reduce recovery times. Sports massage guides any growing new tissue after an injury, ensuring your body heals correctly and as quickly as possible.
Alleviated Symptoms: Some pre-existing conditions can cause discomfort or pain, which can often be made worse by participating in exercise or sports. Sports massage can help to alleviate these symptoms by helping your body relax and encouraging tissue repair. Improved circulation relaxes your muscles, your blood supply, and important nutrients to provide the energy needed to complete daily tasks, including exercise and sports.
Improved Performance: If you’re an active individual, you might opt for a sports massage to improve your performance while engaging in physical activity or sports. After regular exercise, it’s common to experience muscle soreness, which can hinder your ability to perform at your best due to discomfort or reluctance to push yourself too hard. With a sports massage, you can alleviate muscle soreness and enhance your physical performance by loosening up tight muscles, improving flexibility, and increasing blood flow to your muscles.
How often should you get a sports massage?
The answer to the question varies. It all depends on the frequency of training, amount of time spent in practice/competition, age, gender, and experience level with sports massages. Some experts say once a week for pros and athletic people. Speak with your Massage Therapist at your next visit for a personalized recommendation of ongoing treatment.
How do you know if a sports massage is right for you?
If you’re interested in learning more about sports massage, schedule a 60-Min Custom Massage Session at LaVida Massage. Your service will be customized to suit your specific needs. The session will start with a pre-consultation that allows the Massage Therapist to pinpoint your specific concerns and techniques that may benefit you. Mention your interest in sports massage when booking your next massage or at your next pre-consultation with your Massage Therapist to see if it’s right for you!