We all know about the benefits of a good massage. Having a professional massage can help us to feel more relaxed mentally and help our bodies to function better. However, a sports massage can go one step further than a traditional massage, and it specifically benefits those who take part in regular physical activity.
But what exactly is sports massage, who is it suitable for, and how might it benefit you?
What is sports massage?
As previously mentioned, sports massage is suitable for those who regularly take part in physical activity. As much as strenuous and continued physical activity can be great for your body, it can also put an increased strain on you.
Sports massage primarily focuses on the body’s soft tissue. This connective tissue includes much of the more important parts of the body, such as the skin and muscles. It also encompasses tendons and ligaments. Sports massage sets out to correct issues with soft tissue that can be caused and exacerbated by physical exercise.
Is sports massage right for you?
Sports massage is not just for top athletes or people who make a living from sports. If you regularly take part in any kind of physical exercise, then you might benefit from sports massage. Unlike a traditional massage where a therapist will work on all areas of your body, a sports massage therapist will focus on whatever your problem area is.
This means that you can benefit from a sports massage if you are someone who takes part in a lot of team sports, someone who goes to the gym regularly, or even if you find yourself stuck at your desk more than you would like. All of these circumstances can cause pain and specific kinds of “wear and tear” on your body.
When should you get a sports massage?
A sports massage can be carried out before whatever event usually causes strain on your body in order to prepare the weak or painful areas for the exercise you will be doing. You can also benefit from a sports massage directly afterwards, in order to promote healing. When you get a sports massage within two hours of exercise, it can help your tissue to normalise and lessen the chances of any potential aches, pains and long term damage.
You can also benefit from a restorative sports massage, which can be received during training for an athletic event, which can prevent larger injuries going forward.
Sports massage is most commonly known as a rehabilitative practice, which can help you to heal from existing injuries and show you how to best prevent causing further harm to your soft tissue.
Benefits of sports massage
A good sports massage can have some amazing benefits for your body in both the short and long term. Whether you are an athlete or just someone who enjoys going to the gym, you can expect a regular appointment with a sports massage therapist to improve your range of flexibility and increase the range of motion in your joints.
You can also expect to reduce the amount of muscle tension and even muscle spasms that you experience.
In a more general sense, a sports massage can reduce the overall amount of tension that you carry in your body and this can improve your sense of wellbeing and give you a better night’s sleep. Best of all, you can reduce the likelihood of further injuries occurring, and get back to the activities you love faster and more safely.
Whoever you are, you will be able to benefit from a sports massage to target those problem areas, so you can look forward to fewer aches, pains and strains.
If you’re looking for massage therapy in Okehampton, get in touch with us today.