Sports massage is a type of therapeutic massage that addresses the needs of athletes, physical fitness enthusiasts, and those who participate in recreational sports. Sports massage is used to aid in the recovery and prevention of injuries and improve performance and function. Sports massage in Leicester is the massage targeting major muscle groups, requiring more intense pressure to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Sports Massage benefits are vast, ranging from physical improvements to mental health. The table below outlines the main areas that sports massages can be beneficial for:
Muscular injuries are common in active people who engage in high levels of physical activity. The muscles of the body contract and expand during exercise, which can cause tears in the muscle fibers. These injuries result in stiffness and pain following workouts. Sports massage reduces this muscle damage by increasing blood flow to muscles; therefore, oxygenating these muscles and aiding with waste product removal. This increased blood flow results in a reduced recovery time and reduces the risk of further injury. Sports massage can also decrease muscle soreness and swelling, allowing for an increase in range of motion. This is because sports massage improves blood flow to these areas, allowing the therapist to move the muscles and joints more easily.
Athletes and recreational sports players with higher perceived pain levels also have higher perceived exertion during a workout. This suggests that athletes who have higher levels of pain during activity require more intensive care post-activity.
Injuries from recreational athletics are common and can be painful; however, they do not always disrupt the sporting schedule. Many injuries will go unnoticed by the individual due to the body’s ability to adapt and compensate for the injury. When an injury is unnoticed, it cannot be fully healed and can lead to a cascade of further injuries that may eventually result in permanent disability (5). Sports massage stimulates blood flow by increasing lymphatic drainage, immune function and decreasing muscle inhibition. This helps clear metabolic waste from working muscles, increase mobility and improve recovery.
Sports massage can help reduce the time it takes for an individual to recover from intense exercise; however, the medical profession is still unsure whether or not sports massage can increase performance. Benefits of sports massages include improved range of motion and reduced inflammation, allowing muscles to work more efficiently. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to improve their athletic performance.
The type of sports massage used depends on the sport an individual is participating in. For example, a golf-specific sports massage focuses on increasing the range of motion through the back and shoulders to allow smoother movement during play. When starting with recreational sport, it is important to look for a qualified sports massage therapist who can explain what treatment is best suited to your needs.
Overall, sports massages improve recovery and reduce the chance of injury due to overtraining or inactivity. Sports massage should be used with a healthy diet, weight training program, and cardiovascular exercise to maximize results. This will ensure the individual’s entire body is working efficiently to improve their performance.