Roman as well as Greek athletes used massage techniques and other forms of training in preparation to compete in athletics during early times. In the 1960s, which was more recent athletes from the former communist bloc as well as U.S.S.R. started traveling, at first, using massage therapists. What did Romans, Greeks and communists realize that you should be aware of? It is a form of massage designed specifically for those who engage in sports. It has four objectives including preventing injuries, keeping your body at the top condition for optimal performance, and ensuring that you recover from strain and injuries.
What is What is Massage?
There are more kinds of massage that you know about: Swedish massage, hot stone, aromatherapy and deep tissue. Other kinds of massage include reflexology, trigger point Shiatsu, Thai, prenatal and couple’s massage, chair sports, and many others. Each massage type employs various techniques that target different muscles with different goals.
Massage isn’t just suitable for competitive or elite athletes, but it can also benefit those who want to stay as active as they can be. Everyone on the spectrum, sports massage near me can provide more flexibility, better performance, less anxiety, pain and less tension in muscles. The therapist for your sports massage will, while working on your entire body , as needed and systematically massage the muscles and soft tissues of your body that are involved or affected by the activity or sport.
Sports Massage for elite athletes
The elite athletes who get sports massage usually take part in massages right before events often between events or heats during an event, and typically immediately following the event. This is in addition to training as well as during post-competition time. The elite athlete may prefer receiving massages from an accredited sports massage therapist. In Canada the massage therapists for sports are part of the National Sports Massage Certification program.
Sports Massage for Active People
Individuals who are interested in sports and recreation will surely benefit from massages performed by an experienced sports massage therapist who is certified however, they could also benefit from the benefits of sports massage – relief from cramps, aches, tension in muscles, and pain–at the feet of the massage therapist who might not be licensed in this particular area of expertise. Even if you’re not involved in sporting events massage therapists can help you lead a physically active life with the least chance of injury as well as the fastest and fullest healing from any injuries that may occur.
What are the advantages from Sports Massage?
Massage therapy for sports offers a array of benefits to athletes and people who are active of all ages and levels. Although everyone is unique the research on sports massage has revealed the benefits of massage:
More range of motion, and greater flexibility
A more positive psychological and emotional sense of well-being
Relaxed muscles and less spasms
Better blood circulation and better sleeping
Based on a study from 2016 carried out by Oxford University, sports massage could provide relief from pain
The research conducted at McMaster University, in 2012 that a well-timed massages can ease the pain of injured muscles by sending anti-inflammatory signals to boost muscle growth, and can even boost the growth of mitochondria, the parts of our cells responsible for the production of energy from our food sources.
The same study from McMaster found that massages for sports resulted in a shorter recovery time between training and competitions
A study from August 2013 entitled “Effects on the effects of Swedish massage on heart rate, blood pressure and inflammation indicators in women with hypertension” appeared in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It didn’t discuss specific sports massage, but did find the advantages of massage in general reduced blood pressure and heart rate as well as a shorter recovery time and enhanced rehabilitation, less anxiety and mood improvement and improved circulation of blood and oxygen as well as pain relief. It also improved elasticity and healing, as well as stabilized stress hormones.
The manipulation of your muscles and soft tissues can cause tenderness, and sometimes stiffness of the muscles for a day or two following the session. The stiffness and tenderness are normal and will disappear rapidly. The massage therapist you choose will inform you what you can expect. If, however, you’re worried about your post-massage tingling sensations or how long they’ll last call your massage therapist as soon as possible for help.
Understanding the limitations of sports massage
It is also important to know the advantages sports massage can’t provide. In assessing a prospective masseuse, it’s crucial to be sure that the person you’re evaluating isn’t over-promising and you’re not setting unrealistic expectations.
Massage isn’t able to remove the lactate that is accumulating in your muscles and leads to soreness in your muscles. In the end, time and a pause in exercise or active recovery techniques break down the acid. Massage is not the answer.
A study titled “Effect of massage therapy for sports on recovery and performance in a comprehensive review, meta-analysis and systematic analysis” has been published by BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. The study concluded that sports massage does not enhance speed of sprints and jump distances. It does not improve measures of strength. In addition, it doesn’t reduce the decrease in force or velocity, which is only recovered through rest.
These results are crucial to be aware of since sports massage isn’t an alternative to effort and training. When combined with training and effort However, the enhanced flexibility, relaxation, increased range of motion, as well as relief at certain trigger points experienced through massage therapy can lead to more enjoyable and athletic experiences.
What can you expect during an exercise Massage
Each athlete, elite or recreational is unique and has different goals, and each massage therapist has their own style and specializations There are some aspects of sports massages that are the same across all sports. Here are a few of the things you can expect from your next massage.
The first thing to do is expect your sports massage therapist be asking you lots of questions. The questions may be: What’s bothering you? What type of workout are you doing or what kind of sport do you play? Have you ever suffered from injuries? Your truthful and accurate answers will enable your massage therapist deliver the maximum benefits for you.
A second point is that sports massage could differ from massages for stress relief that you’ve had. While a massage to relieve stress can be a treatment for the entire body, a sports massage tends to concentrate on specific problem muscles or areas associated with your sport or exercise of choice, and trigger points that are associated with these muscle groups.
Thirdly, you might be amazed by the range of techniques that you’ll be able to experience during a single sports massage , based on the massage therapist’s decision on which will benefit you. There are also the Swedish style of techniques, such as stroking or petrissage, effleurage, or kneading. Other forms of massage that you might encounter include the stretching, gliding and vibration tapping or rhythmic striking as well as friction, compression or. If, at any point, any of these techniques is uncomfortable for you at all, make certain to let the massage professional know as soon as you notice.
In the end, as we’ve mentioned previously it’s normal to feel sore after the session of sports massage when there are a lot of trigger points stimulated, and tight muscles regions are stretched, and you might feel tired or be a bit stiff the following day.
No matter if you’re an elite sportsperson or someone who is a fan of physical activity as part of an active life, massage therapy for sports can provide advantages that range from improving your mental well-being to speedier recovery. For more information on what benefits you can reap from massage for sports and other massage therapies, contact us today to set up an appointment and get answers to any questions you may have.
