It’s no secret that athletes put their bodies through a lot of wear and tear. From the constant pounding of running, to the strain of playing a sport, athletes need to take care of their bodies if they want to stay in top condition. One way to do that is by getting regular sports massages. They can greatly improve your health and comfort so in this article we will discuss some of the benefits.
What Is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a type of therapeutic massage that helps athletes prepare for or recover from an event. This type of massage focuses on the muscles and soft tissues that are used during physical activity.
Different types of techniques such as deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and stretching can be used to target specific areas where athletes may be experiencing pain or tightness. Sports massages also help to improve blood flow which helps reduce muscle fatigue and improve range of motion.
What Are The Benefits Of A Sports Massage
Sports massages offer numerous benefits to athletes including
- improved flexibility,
- reduced risk of injury,
- faster recovery from workouts or events,
- reduced tension in the muscles,
- improved circulation which can help with muscle soreness and fatigue,
- increased range of motion for better performance during activities,
- better posture which can lead to better overall balance and strength,
- improved coordination between the mind and body which can lead to improved athletic performance.
Additionally, regular sports massages may also alleviate stress levels due to training or competition resulting in increased motivation levels before an event or game.
How Can Sports Massage Help You Recover From An Injury?
Reduced Pain and Swelling
One of the biggest benefits of sports massage therapy is its ability to reduce pain and swelling. Massage helps to break up adhesions in the muscles, while also increasing blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the affected area. This helps to speed up the healing process, while also providing much-needed relief from pain and discomfort caused by injuries.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
Sports massage therapy also helps to improve flexibility and range of motion in injured areas. It does this by breaking down muscle adhesions, which can limit mobility over time if left untreated. Regularly stretching the injured area during your sessions can help to further increase flexibility, allowing for more comfortable movement during physical activities or daily tasks.
Speeded Up Recovery Time
Finally, one of the greatest benefits of sports massage therapy is that it can significantly speed up your recovery time from injury. By increasing blood flow to injured tissue, breaking down adhesions, and helping to reduce pain and discomfort, sports massage therapy can help you get back on your feet quickly so that you can return to normal activities sooner rather than later.
What Are The Different Types Of Sports Massage?
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most popular type of sports massage. It uses long strokes and kneading techniques to relax muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. This makes it perfect for athletes who are recovering from an injury or who need to loosen up tight muscles before a practice or competition. It also helps reduce stress levels and can even be used as a preventative measure against injury.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is another type of sports massage that focuses on releasing specific areas of tension in the body. It works by applying pressure to “trigger points”—areas in the body where there is increased tension—to relieve pain and stiffness. This type of massage is great for athletes who suffer from chronic pain or have recurring injuries because it helps break up scar tissue and restore range of motion in affected joints.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but with more focus on deeper layers of muscle tissue. This type of massage is perfect for athletes who need intense work done on tight muscles or connective tissues that aren’t responding to other treatments like stretching or foam rolling. Deep tissue massages use slow strokes to target deep layers of muscle tissue, which can help release adhesions that cause pain and stiffness in the body.
How Often Should You Get A Sports Massage?
The frequency of your sports massage depends largely on your activity level and overall lifestyle habits. If you are an avid athlete who trains multiple times per week then it is recommended that you receive a massage at least once every two weeks or so in order to maintain optimal performance levels. For those who don’t engage in regular physical activity but still want the benefits associated with a sports massage (such as increased flexibility), then receiving one every few months should suffice.
Final Thoughts About The Benefits Of Sports Massage
No matter what your activity level is, almost every person can benefit from regular sports massage therapy. This type of massage can help you recover from injuries faster, increase flexibility and range of motion, and reduce pain and swelling. Every certified massage therapist may deliver a slightly different technique when performing your sports massage, so find one that best suits your needs. Always consult with a professional before getting a sports massage, and make sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods on the day of your treatment!
Call 732-299-8793 or Contact Us to Schedule A Sports Massage in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the physical benefits of a therapeutic massage?
A: A massage is beneficial because it relaxes the muscles and increases the blood flow. This increased blood flow brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which helps to improve muscle function and joint mobility. Additionally, massage has been shown to help relieve pain, reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and promote a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Q: What is the American massage therapy association?
A: The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional organization representing massage therapists in the United States. It was founded in 1987 and has over 50,000 members.
The AMTA’s mission is to “promote the benefits of massage therapy and encourage the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the practice of massage therapy.” To that end, the AMTA provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of its members. It also operates a certification program for massage therapists.
Q: What is delayed onset muscle soreness?
A: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a type of muscle soreness that you feel the day or two after a vigorous workout. It’s caused by microscopic tears in the muscles, and it’s your body’s way of telling you that you worked hard and need to give your muscles some time to rebuild and heal. DOMS usually peaks about 48 hours after a workout, but it can linger for up to seven days. The good news is that the pain usually subsides as the muscles heal. You can speed up the healing process by taking ibuprofen, stretching, and drinking plenty of fluids. And be sure to give your muscles at least one day of rest between workouts.
Bridget Riley brings the spa experience into NJ client’s homes based on the theory that an hour of body work should be followed by an hour of rest. She is the owner of Pampered Spirit, the premier mobile massage business in the State of New Jersey. Pampered Spirit has a boutique location which serves as a dispatch center for mobile massage therapists and a serene enclave for onsite clientele.
Ms. Riley’s wellness empire has been featured on national television and has grown to 40 team members strong. In addition to being an established body worker and certified massage therapist, as a wellness coach she has orchestrated workshops for several universities and companies.
Notable clients include NFL Films and the Atlantic City Convention Center. As the industry continually evolves, so does Miss Riley. Her current focus is Wellness Coaching after studying the subject at Duke University.