Sports Massage 101: All the Basics You Need to Know
Sports Massage is a type of massage that focuses on the needs of athletes or active people. Sports massage can help with injuries, speed recovery time, and reduce pain. If you are an athlete or have someone in your life who is getting injured often, then sports massage may be the right solution for you. This article will cover all the basics about what it entails to get a sports massage so you can decide if this is something worth exploring further.
What Is A Sports Massage?
Sports massage is designed to help athletes before, during, and after training. This type of massage can be useful for anyone who exercises regularly because it increases flexibility while preventing injuries from occurring in the first place. It's also great when one has experienced soreness following sporting activities like running or basketball games, this helps with healing by stretching tight muscles, stimulating inactive ones so they become active again as well as improving soft tissue condition which leads towards relief on all levels.
What Does A Sports Massage Involve?
The therapist will talk with you before the massage begins and ask about any health concerns or restrictions. They'll cover your body in towels so that they can protect it from injury, use creams/oils for their hands when working over skin to make sure there is no friction-this way everything feels smooth as silk. Sports massage does not have one specific technique because everyone has different injuries depending on what type of practice the therapists doing but most closely physiotherapy and osteopathy. Here are some of the techniques:
Soft Tissue Release
One of the main goals of sports massage is to release tension in the soft tissues. This can be done through a variety of methods, including but not limited to stretching, compression, friction, and percussion.
Neuromuscular Technique
A neuromuscular technique is a massage technique that specifically targets the muscles and their surrounding connective tissue. This approach uses specific hand movements to help improve muscle function, increase range of motion, and reduce pain.
Positional Release
Positional release techniques help ease positional stress on the body. They loosen up tight areas and make your movements more efficient.
Fascial Release
Kneading is the key to releasing tension. The deep, slow movements release connective tissues around muscles which cause them relief from chronic pain or inflammation.
When Is A Sports Massage Beneficial?
Most people want a sports massage because they experience pain, but you can also get one to help speed up the recovery process. A lot of athletes will go for a sports massage after an event, say a marathon or triathlon, and find that it helps them recover faster than if they hadn’t had one at all. Some might even have their therapist visit them in their home or hotel room directly after the race so he can administer treatment immediately instead of waiting until later on when muscles are more prone to injury, such as during early morning hours.
Pros And Cons Of Sports Massage
Sports massage is one of the most popular types of massages. It’s often used to help prevent and treat injuries, as well as improve flexibility and performance. Below are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Sports massage can help improve performance and prevent injuries.
- It can also speed up the healing process for athletes who do get injured.
- Sports massage is beneficial for people of all ages and activity levels.
Cons:
- There is a bit of risk involved in sports massage, as there is with any type of massage.
- If you are not careful, you could end up injuring yourself or someone else.
- Make sure to consult with a professional before giving someone a sports massage.
How Much Does A Sports Massage Cost?
The cost of a sports massage can vary depending on the therapist, clinic, and location. On average, you can expect to pay around $60-70 for a one-hour session. Some clinics may offer package deals or discounts if you purchase multiple sessions. Always be sure to ask about pricing before booking an appointment.
How Do You Schedule A Sports Massage?
The great thing about sports massage is that it can be scheduled easily. Most athletes will book their massages right after they finish their workouts, but you don't necessarily have to do that. You could also book a sports massage before your workout if you're feeling tight or sore. It's really up to you and what works best for your schedule. Just make sure to give yourself enough time so the massage therapist can properly work on your muscles.
So, now that you know all the basics of sports massage, are you ready to give it a try? Let us help answer any questions or concerns. Call us today and let our team of friendly professionals guide you through scheduling your first-ever sports massage session. We can't wait to see how this will benefit you in your personal life and training.
By Danstone360 - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4760106
Are You Searching for a Sports Massage Therapist You Can Trust?
The Sanctuary Pleasant Hill features a full range of services that are done using touch-based therapy. Our skilled therapists use their hands to manipulate the soft tissues of your body in order to relieve pain, improve health conditions, and promote wellness through holistic treatments like massage therapy! Located in the beautiful Contra Costa area, The Sanctuary is a Holistic Healing Center that specializes in exceptional treatments. Our aim is to nurture and relax each of our guests with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. We provide a quiet restful space to help you escape from stress and invigorate your spirit. The choice of how to move forward on your journey is a personal decision, honored without judgment. Start your journey with us today, click here to schedule your appointment!