What is a Sports Massage?

Many people think of sports massages as luxury treatments or spa treatments. However, they are now an essential part of any athletic training program. Massage is for more than just the off-season. It can also be used during training to reduce pain, prevent injury, and boost performance. Massage therapy is now integral to athletic training, from sports medicine clinics and college athletic training programs to Olympic movements and professional sports teams. Many sports medicine experts and athletic trainers believe that sports massage can give athletes an extra edge in high-performance sports.

Complete workouts include physical activity and the care of minor injuries and degeneration that occurs naturally in the body when you engage in strenuous exercises. Sports massages benefit anyone regularly pushing their limits in sports such as running or cycling, hiking, playing football, basketball, tennis, dancing, and other aerobic activities. Sports massage can be incorporated into any fitness or training program to reduce stiffness and soreness and help you recover from intense workouts faster. It also relieves conditions that may lead to injury.s

What Does Sports Massage do For Your Body?

A sports massage is a combination of different massage techniques tailored to the affected muscle groups according to the type of athletic activity you do. Sports massages benefit athletes depending on the stage of their training and competition seasons and when they schedule an appointment.

You will need a lighter sports massage if you are preparing for a race. Light massages will help you recover, relax and reduce pain. Avoiding deep tissue massages before any big event would be best because they can alter your muscle memory and structure.

Deep tissue massages is recommended if you have specific problem areas and are between events. Deep tissue work is recommended for people with chronic pain, athletes and those who have suffered physical injuries.

Why Get a Sports Massage?

The desire to improve is why many athletes train in their off-seasons, do cross-training with other sports, spend hours in the gym and train in all conditions. You can just as easily justify training in the rain or hammering hills on your bike to improve performance. Your body will be more powerful and flexible after a sports massaging. You can also reduce the risk of injury by addressing the aches and discomforts.

A sports massage can help your muscles, joints and tendons to maintain their optimal condition and move through the full range of motion. You should warm up your muscles and joints before any strenuous exercise, just as you would for a pre-workout. Overusing muscles is the leading cause of most injuries. Overuse can cause soreness, inflammation, and pain. Sports massages can reduce the risk of injury due to overuse. They can also reduce inflammation, which can lead directly to injury. A sports massage can reduce the likelihood of a recurrence and can effectively treat soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains and stress injuries. Sports massage helps heal scar tissue, relieve pain after injuries, and loosen up tight muscles.

A sports massage can also help you focus better, reduce stress, and put you in a good mental state before your next competition. You can feel rejuvenated by a quick massage, allowing you to perform at your best throughout the year.

How Often to get a Sports Massage?

The frequency of sports massages depends on the sport you play, your level of activity, and your training program. Professional athletes receive sports massages 3 to 4 days per week. Amateur and collegiate athletes get them 1 to 2 times per week. Athletes should receive one massage a week on average or at least one per month. Weekend warriors should get a massage at least twice per month. Your training isn’t as regimented as amateur or professional athletes, and your body takes longer to recover. Sports massages can help to prevent injuries.

When to Get Sports Massage?

Different people receive Massage treatments differently, so it is best to try them out at various times in your training, and this will help you determine which one works for you. Many people schedule massages for recovery after major events. They prefer to do maintenance work while training. The purpose of pre-event massaging is to stimulate muscles. Post-event massaging is to promote recovery.

Massage Bodywork by Austin provides Sports Massages and can help treat you. Contact us and we can get started.