Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Sports Massage 101: All the Basics You Need to Know

Written by Chris Corrales

January 2, 2022

Sports massage is something that a lot of people don’t know much about, but it can be extremely beneficial for athletes and non-athletes alike. This type of massage is focused on the muscles that are used most in sports, and it can help to improve performance, prevent injuries, and speed up recovery time. If you’re interested in learning more about sports massage, or if you’re just curious about what it is, keep reading!

Who Needs A Sports Massage?

People who are active in sports, be it amateur or professional may need the assistance of a sports massage therapist. Sports massage is often used to help prevent injury and assist with recovery after an injury has occurred.

Athletes can seek out the services of their local sports massage therapists for many reasons, including but not limited to pain relief, muscle tension release, increased blood flow which helps repair damaged tissues quicker than normal, improved flexibility and range of motion due to soft tissue manipulation helping them avoid future injuries during play or practice sessions, etc., speed up their recovery times from hard workouts and game days better than if they just rested alone.

Athletes will spend more time on their rest and recovery days than the actual practice or playtimes. The more time they can spend actively recovering, the better their performance will be during those rigorous training sessions and games.

People who take up sports as a hobby may also need to seek out help from a local sports massage therapist for many of the same reasons listed above. Many people use team sports such as football, soccer, basketball, etc., as an outlet for stress relief after work.

If you do not exercise daily but want to stay healthy, keeping your muscles supple with regular weekly massages is very important in maintaining good health and wellness throughout life. It’s never too early nor late in life to begin getting professional sports massages regularly; it all depends on personal preference really.

Who Performs A Sports Massage?

A sports massage therapist is a professional who has been specifically trained to perform sports massages. This type of massage is different from a traditional massage because it focuses on the specific needs of athletes.

Sports massage therapists are knowledgeable about the muscles and tissues that are used during exercise, and they can provide advice on how to prevent injuries. They also know how to help relieve pain and improve flexibility. If you’re looking for someone to help you stay in top condition, then a sports massage therapist is a perfect choice!

Is A Sports Massage Different From A Regular Spa Massage?

It surely is. Sports massage therapists are trained to work on athletic people, and know what muscles can be worked out, how much pressure to apply, the techniques that will help an athlete relax or recover more quickly from physical activity.

If you’ve ever had a professional sports therapist give you a massage before an event like a marathon or triathlon, you probably noticed the difference in your performance after their treatment!

The reason for this is because athletes’ bodies need special care – they’re constantly using their body so it needs proper attention. Your average spa masseuse doesn’t have the same training as someone who works specifically with athletes; although there’s nothing wrong with getting regular massages, if you want something that helps you specifically with sports performance, you’ll want to see someone who specializes in sports massage.

So What Exactly Happens During A Sports Massage?

There are many different techniques that can be used – it all depends on the therapist’s preference and what they think will help the athlete the most. However, there are some general things that happen during almost every sports massage:

  • The therapist will ask about any injuries or areas of tension that you’ve been experiencing.
  • They will then gently work out any knots or tension in your muscles using their hands, forearms, elbows, or even knuckles!
  • After this initial phase is complete, they may begin to use more pressure and apply specific techniques depending on what sport you play.
  • Finally, they will usually end the massage with some gentle stretches to help your muscles relax and recover.

How Often Should I Get A Sports Massage?

There is no set answer to this question as everyone’s body is different. However, most people find that getting a sports massage every few weeks helps to maintain their muscles and prevent injuries. Speak with your massage therapist about what frequency works best for you. Remember, the goal of sports massage is to help you stay healthy and injury-free, so it’s important to schedule regular massages!

What Are The Benefits Of Sports Massage?

Sports massage can be beneficial for a number of reasons.

First, it helps to relax the muscles and improve your circulation by releasing endorphins into the brain.

Secondly, sports massage is often performed before or after exercise as part of an injury prevention routine; this also helps you gain more flexibility and strength in certain areas like your shoulders and hips.

And lastly, athletes who receive massages tend to notice that they recover faster from strenuous workouts – perfect if you’re training for a marathon!

Other sports massage benefits include:

  • increased range of motion
  • decreased muscle tension
  • reduced inflammation and swelling
  • enhanced performance
  • quicker recovery time after workouts or competitions
  • improved quality of sleep

If you have been considering trying a massage for your aches and pains, sports massage might be the answer. Sports massages are geared specifically to people who live an active lifestyle or participate in physical activities on a regular basis. They can help with muscle soreness, reduce inflammation from injuries, increase range of motion, decrease pain caused by repetitive use of muscles and joints – all things that could impede your athletic performance. The next time you need some relief from those nagging little aches and pains that come along with being active or just feeling like taking care of yourself after a long day at work or playing, give us a call! We offer sports massage services as well as other types of therapeutic bodywork techniques that may suit your needs.

Are You an Athlete Experiencing Pain But Don’t Know Where to Turn for Help?

Beyond Ergonomics gives athletes and desk professionals answers to their pain problems. Body imbalances, repetitive use, and lack of movement are the cause of many injuries and pain. Beyond Ergonomics helps you discover your imbalances and create change. MedicinEvolution’s purpose is to reduce pain and other symptoms that you haven’t had luck with. MedicinEvolution Bodywork Beyond Massage is the solution for many problems plaguing your body.  Make your appointment today! 

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *