How to Prepare for Your Sports Massage in 5 Steps
 

Things To Do To Prepare For Your Sports Massage
 

If you're like most people, your idea of a perfect day usually includes some time for relaxation and rejuvenation. For many, that means indulging in a massage. And if you're an athlete or an active person, there's no better type of massage than a sports massage. If you've never had one before, though, you may be wondering what to expect. Here are the five steps to preparing for your first sports massage:
 

1. When you get a sports massage, make sure you stay hydrated.
 

Drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to your appointment, and continue drinking fluids during and after your massage. This is especially important if you're getting a massage right before or after an event. Dehydration can lead to cramping and other problems, so it's crucial to keep yourself hydrated. Drinks like coconut water are great for rehydrating because they contain electrolytes, which help regulate fluid levels in the body. If you're not a big fan of water, try drinking fruit juices or sports drinks instead. Just be sure to avoid sodas and other sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate you.
 

2. Make sure to wear proper clothing.
 

For a sports massage, you'll want to wear clothing that's comfortable and allows the therapist to access the areas they need to work on. That means loose-fitting pants and a T-shirt or tank top. You may also want to consider wearing shorts if you're getting a massage of your legs or feet.
 

3. If you have back issues or any other medical concerns, let the therapist know ahead of time.

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Your therapist will want to know if you have any injuries, medical problems, or other concerns before your massage begins. They'll also make sure that they're using the proper techniques for whatever issues you might have. If you've got back pain from a previous injury, for example, tell them about it so they can avoid aggravating the area during the massage. If you have a pre-existing injury, be upfront with your sports therapist right away if you think something may be bothering an existing injury site or causing pain elsewhere in your body due to compensations created by this initial problem. This is especially important when working on areas like feet and ankles as even small changes these days may cause pain in a completely different area the next day. Your therapist will also want to know about any medications you're taking, as some can interact with massage therapy.
 

4. Check to see if your sports massage therapist is qualified and licensed.
 

Just like any other profession, some people call themselves sports massage therapists that may not be qualified to do the work. It's important to make sure your therapist is licensed and has the proper training before you book an appointment. You can ask them about their education and experience, or do a quick search online to see if they have any reviews. You'll also want to make sure your insurance covers sports massages. Many plans do, but it's always best to check ahead of time. That way, you won't have any surprises when it comes time to pay for your session.
 

5. Consider how much time a sports massage session will take before undergoing one.
 

A sports massage is not a quick session. Depending on what you're getting done, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more for your therapist to work through the entire routine. If you have other plans after your appointment, make sure that there's enough time before the next event or activity begins so you don't keep anyone waiting because of schedule conflicts due to scheduling too close between appointments without sufficient rest periods in between if multiple areas are being worked on during one visit.
 

It’s important to prepare for your sports massage to get the most out of it. If you are not sure what steps should be taken, read this article on how to prepare for a sports massage. We hope that this information will help you make an informed decision before getting your sports massage is. Call us today if you have any questions about anything, we want nothing more than to provide you with all the necessary knowledge and tools needed before undergoing one.