What is Sports Massage?
Can I have a Sports Massage, even if I don’t do sports?
There is has been a common misunderstanding for years that sports massage is only for those who participate in sport. Sports Massage is an essential type of healthcare which can help all types of populations and isn’t only aimed to help ‘sports participants’. Sports massage can help to aid a wide range of injuries. It is primarily used in the prevention of injury alongside rehabilitative exercises which together can help anyone regain back to optimum functionality regardless of age or ability. Our muscles are always being put through prolonged periods of tension and we cause them to become tight and it happens in so many situations whether you are an office worker sat at a desk hunched over for seven to eight hours a day or if you are a painter/decorator who is stood up for the same amount of time.
What does a Sports Massage treatment do?
During the Sports Massage treatment your soft tissues are being stretched and mobilised and this helps to relieve tension in the muscle and reduce pain. Sports Massage is a variety of deep techniques, trigger point and muscle energy techniques. During treatment, pressure and speed are adjusted to your tolerance, intended outcome and musculature structure. During your treatment your therapist will also assess your movement and will try to look for imbalances which could be contributing to the pain and tension caused in your muscles.
What are the benefits of a Sports Massage?
Increased blood flow: The types of massage techniques cause your blood flow to increase during treatment and this results in the tissue increasing temperature and getting warmer. The warmth and increase in blood flow allows the blood vessels to open and dilate. The blood carries oxygen and supplies it sufficiently to the targeted areas and helps to repair damage.
Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue: Sports Massage helps to break down adhesions/knots and scar tissue in your muscles and this results in improving flexibility. The techniques also improve muscle elasticity.
Improved Lymphatic Drainage: With the increase in blood flow, Sports Massage also encourages draining of metabolic waste. Lactic acid is removed from the tissue during massage to help with the recovery process and prevents muscle cramping.
Relaxation: Sports Massage reduces muscle tension in the targeted area. By doing so this releases endorphin which help to reduce anxiety and stressful feelings. It also acts as a natural pain reliever and improves your mood.