Sports massage is a systematic, focused massage that typically targets the muscles used in a certain sport. It makes use of a range of techniques in order to improve recovery, lower muscle pain, as well as enhance overall range of motion and flexibility in order to support safe and effective movement. Earlier, Elijah Mcclain had discussed how sports massage therapist commonly helps sportsperson with their training, rehabilitation, and pre- or post-performance goals. Even though sports massage therapies are widely sought by elite and amateur athletes, they can be beneficial for almost any person who exercises on a regular basis.
To achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning, athletes try out a variety of movements and techniques. They try to follow practices that lower the chance of injury or pain and allows for a quicker recovery. Sports massage supports athletes in these efforts. Such massage sessions are commonly tailored to the individual needs of the athletes. Certain elements of sports massage are also used in physical therapy settings and help treat conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
The benefits of sports massage are many, including:
- Improved flexibility: Tense ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues may hinder the body from experiencing its full range of motion. As people get older, their bodies get less flexible, unless they do something about it. Improved flexibility can help athletes to improve their performance and comfort, no matter whether they are lifting, hitting, running or jumping. Sport massage may help relax tight muscles, ultimately enabling them to comfortably stretch farther.
- Reduced muscle pain: Typically, the body uses oxygen in order to fuel the muscles for vigorous activity. However, if the physical activities of a person outpace their oxygen levels, then the muscles would create lactic acid instead that can work without the presence of oxygen. In certain situations, this lactic acid can build up in the bloodstream much faster than one can use it. This lactic is often responsible for the aching, sore muscles one feel the next day of a rigorous workout. While the body does get rid of the excess lactic acid on its own, simply living with muscle soreness can be a problem, especially when an athlete has more training or a big game coming up. Sports massage can aid in breaking up this lactic acid, so that the liver of the athlete can remove it more efficiently. A sports massage session is best done after a training session in order to prevent muscle soreness.
- Injury prevention: Prior to training session, undergoing a sports massage session can effectively loosen up the muscles, reducing the likelihood of strains and sprains. Post-workout, a massage aids in returning the muscles to a relaxed state, mitigating the development of painful trigger points or other conditions that might impact the performance and overall well-being of the athlete.
Previously, Elijah Mcclain had spoken about that in addition to the many physical benefits of sports massage; it also has certain mental health benefits. After all, at its core a sports massage is still a massage. Hence, it comes with various psychological benefits as any other massage like relaxation, improved sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
