For the sportsmen, these kinds of exercises put their body through wear and tear, so the recovery period is the most important step of their training program. They need to give their muscles and tendons the way to repair fully and remain active. This is why most people opt for massage therapy. Massage therapy is called sports massage. No matter if you are an athlete or a full-time worker who spends more time sitting on an office chair, a sports massage is necessary for the efficient functioning of the body. But what exactly is a sports massage? This article will tell you all about sports massage and why it is important.
What is Sports massage therapy?
You must be thinking of a sports massage therapy as a massage you'd typically experience in the spa. Well, it is not that kind of massage. Sports massage is a massage that is a treatment aimed at preventing injuries and keeping you in working condition. A sports massage has several benefits that you will know in this article. The techniques used in this massage is often the same as the deep tissue massage, but they have different end goals. Sports massage is to treat your injured, tight, or sore areas, which create a slight discomfort when your massage therapist is working. Make sure to pick a therapist with a good resume and make you feel comfortable while knowing your sports type.
You can plan the massage before or after the event, it depends on what works for your body and what your condition is. However, don't try anything different too close to the day of your event since you don't know how it will impact your performance.
Benefits of Sports Massage
1.Increases flexibility
Those who are active in sports will get a lot of benefits from sports massage as it improves the performance of the body. Well kept and relaxed muscles help you run faster and walk longer. It helps you lift heavy weights and perform better on the ground. The reason why you can't move properly after a heavy workout is the DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscles Soreness). This pain is terrible and hard to bear. The sports massage from an expert therapist flushes out the waste products from your muscles and relaxes the muscle tissues.
2. Decrease muscle tension
A sports massage releases the tight and sore muscles and increases the movement of your joints and muscles. The stretching and lengthening techniques make your muscles and joints flexible. It increases the synovial fluid inside the joints and provides smooth and pain-free movements. By relaxing the muscles, the blood flows in your body increase and allow the nutrients to be delivered to all your muscles.
3. Provide a better sleep
After getting your muscles relaxed from a therapeutic massage, you will sleep more peacefully. Relaxed and relieved muscles lead to better sleep as it cuts down on sleep disturbance.
It turns down stress and makes it easier for you to get better sleep.
4. Helps you heal from injury
Sports massage is usually part of the training programs for sportsmen or athletes as it gets you ready to get back going. In case of injury during the game, a proper sports massage does wonders. It allows injured muscles and ligaments to heal fast and in the right way. It helps the growing tissues ensure a quality repair. It also reduces the scar tissues and makes the person stronger.
5. Relieves stress
The body does not function properly when under stress. The sports games often put the sportsmen under stress that disturbs their performance. Sports massage reduces the stress hormone and helps you perform your best. It is very important for all kinds of injuries or illnesses.
Conclusion
Sports massage has long been important for professional athletes. However, if you are planning to get it, make sure to keep all the points into consideration. Such as asking all the questions you have from your therapist. Make sure you are well hydrated before getting the massage. It will make it easier to work during a massage since dehydration causes stiffness. Avoid taking medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxers. Talk to your therapist in case of any queries.
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