5 Common Misconceptions About Sports Massage
 

The Truth Behind This Sports Massage Misconceptions

There are a lot of misconceptions about sports massage. Some people think that it is only for athletes when in reality, anyone can benefit from this type of massage. Others believe that it is only for injury rehabilitation, when in fact, sports massage can also be used for preventive care. Here are the five truths behind some of the most common sports massage misconceptions:
 

1. It's Painful And Uncomfortable To Get A Sports Massage

Sports massage is not a particularly painful process. Like any other form of bodywork, it can be uncomfortable in spots depending on where the therapist focuses his or her attention and your pressure tolerance, but this discomfort should always pass within minutes or at most an hour. Before you start treatment, let the practitioner know if certain areas hurt when they are manipulated so the therapist can avoid those regions during your session. If something feels too intense to you, say so, the person giving you sports massage will ease up rather than push through with what may feel like torture to some clients. Soreness after each appointment is normal as long as it doesn't last more than 24 hours. The soreness isn't being caused by the massage itself, but rather the release of toxins that have been trapped in your muscles.
 

2. Only Athletes Can Benefit From This Sports Massage

While a sports massage may be beneficial for athletes, it is not just limited to them. Anyone who participates in physical activity can reap the benefits of a sports massage. This includes weekend warriors and people who work out regularly. Athletes often suffer from muscle cramps, tension headaches, and other aches and pains. A sports massage can help relieve these symptoms and improve their performance. However, even if you don't have any specific complaints, a sports massage can still help keep your body healthy and functioning at its best.
 

3. All Sports Massages Are The Same

Just like any other form of massage, sports massage can be customized to meet your specific needs. There are a variety of techniques that a therapist can use depending on what you need. If you are recovering from an injury, the therapist will likely use more deep tissue work and compression. If you are just looking for preventive care, a therapist may use lighter pressure and focus on Swedish massage techniques. It is important to let the practitioner know what your goals are so they can give you the best possible treatment.
 

4. You May Get Hurt During Sports Massage Treatment

This is another common misconception about sports massage. It is quite the opposite. Sports massage is a great way to help prevent injuries from happening. If you do happen to get injured, sports massage can help speed up the healing process. When done by a qualified therapist, sports massage is a safe and effective treatment for any type of injury. It may even be more beneficial than other forms of traditional medical treatment. So don’t be afraid to give sports massage a try, you may just find that it’s exactly what you need to stay healthy and injury-free.
 

5. Sports Massage Is for a Specific Type of Sport

Sports massage is not just for professional athletes. It can be used to help with any sort of physical activity, whether you’re a weekend warrior or someone who likes yoga and dancing. Sports massage does not have to focus on specific injuries but instead on muscle groups that are related to the affected area, if your knees hurt after running, it might be because you need some extra work in the calves and quadriceps muscles. Your sports therapist will also use techniques aimed at relaxation as well as pain relief, both essential parts of finding a balance between mind and body during exercise sessions.
 

We hope this article has helped to clear up some misconceptions about sports massage. If you're still unsure of what a sports massage is, or if it's right for you, don't worry. Give us a call and we'll answer any questions that come up. Our team would be happy to help guide you through the process to determine your next steps towards pain relief with our therapeutic massages. Call us today.