Sports massage is not just for athletes. Whether you go to the gym often, are training for a marathon or are just in some pain, sports massage can play a beneficial role in your performance and recovery.
Sports massage is a type of manual therapy designed to enhance athletic performance, assist injury recovery, prevent injury and help manage the physical demands of a sport or activity. While athletes benefit a lot from sports massage, this type of manual therapy can help anyone that is suffering with muscle tension, musculoskeletal injuries, or anyone involved in high physical stress such as desk strain, hiking, or going to the gym on a regular basis. Sports massage can help with faster recovery, less injuries, improved flexibility, enhanced performance and even reduces stress.
How does Sports Massage differ from other massage types?
Sports massage is not like your usual relaxation massage such as Swedish Massage, sports massage targets deeper tissues and often includes movement. It mostly targets muscle groups based on activity and area of pain, these massages can be intense but always come with purpose and benefits.
Techniques we use in our clinic:
- Deep tissue work: to breakdown adhesions.
- Trigger point therapy: to release knotted muscle fibres.
- Myofascial release: to restore normal tissue function.
- Active stretching: to improve mobility
- Cross-fibre friction: for breaking up scar tissue.
Key Benefits of Sports Massage
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Injury PreventionBy keeping muscle fibres relaxed and addressing tightness or imbalance early, sports massage can reduce the risk of common or reoccurring injuries such as sprains or strains.
- Recovery
It aids muscle repair by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduces inflammation and flushes out metabolic waste post-exercise. - Performance Enhancement
Sports massage can improve mobility, muscle efficiency; and reduce recovery time. All of these can contribute to a better sporting performance. - Mental benefits
Alongside the physical benefits, massage lowers cortisol, enhances relaxation and can sharpen mental clarity. Which is essential for consistent improvement in sport.
Science Behind Sports Massage
A study in 2020 within the Journal of Athletic Training found sports massage can help reduce DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness) and improved perceived recovery after sport.
Research also has shown, in Sports Medicine, that the use of massage aids short-term recovery and the increase of muscle flexibility.
In addition research shows the following benefits of a Sports Massage:
- Improved Blood and Oxygen delivery
Massage promotes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the muscles and speeding up the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for repair. - Lymphatic Drainage
It stimulates the lymphatic drainage system, helping remove toxins and metabolic waste that can build up during high intensity exercise. - Fascia and Trigger Point Therapy
Fascia (connective tissue) can tighten; massage can help release these restrictions and deactivate painful trigger points.
When Should You Get a Sports Massage?
- Pre-Event: This will help activate the muscles, improve circulation and mentally prepare before competing.
- Post-Event: To speed up recovery, flush waste products, and ease tight muscles.
- During Training Cycles: Regular massage can help manage an athlete’s training load, preventing overtraining, optimizing progress.
- Injury Rehabilitation: It’s a key part of rehab – promoting tissue healing, improve range of motion, and reducing scar tissue formation.
What To Expect in a Session
- A consultation with a therapist will discuss your sport, your activity level, and any concerns you may have.
- An assessment of movement and muscle function.
- A deep tissue massage focusing on the area concern and targeting your needs.
- Advice on what stretches and exercises will be best suited for you and your sport.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
- “It’s only for athletes”, anyone can benefit from a sports massage
- “It should always hurt”, not true, it can be intense but should never cause any pain.
- “You only need it when injured”, regular sessions will help prevent injuries and maintain optimal performance.
Lastly, sports massage is not a luxury you should have to treat yourself to. It is an important component of physical activity whether that be marathons or weekend activities. It should be part of your programme and daily life to allow you to feel your best and perform your best! Book a Sports Massage now.
