Sports Massage
Sports massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on a specific part of an athlete’s body, which may be stressed and overused from repetitive use while performing tasks in their given sport. Many athletes utilize sports massage to promote flexibility, reduce fatigue, improve endurance, prevent injuries, and get the body into optimal physical and mental condition to compete. Sports massage can be used both for enhancing pre-game preparation and maximizing in-game performance.
A key benefit of sports massage when compared with other types of modalities is the ability to target connections between muscles and tendons. A study conducted by Margaret Jones, Ph.D. of the American College of Sports Medicine, showed a trend toward decreased muscle soreness in athletes who received massage either before or after exercise. For anyone participating in regular physical activity, sports massage therapy every week can be a useful addition to your normal training plan.
There are three types of sports massage, which are maintenance massage, event massage, and rehabilitation massage. Maintenance massages are designed to increase the range of motion and flexibility of muscles that the athlete will be using in their given sport. This type of massage in used regularly throughout the athlete’s training program to help them reach their peak performance level. Event massages are broken down into two different types: pre-event and post-event. Pre-event massages are designed to enhance circulation and reduce muscle tension in a given area. Post-event massages are designed to help recovery after an event by reducing muscles spasms and metabolic build-up that occurs after a vigorous activity. Rehabilitation massages are used to help the body in the rehab process after an injury has occurred. These rehabilitation massage techniques can help speed the healing process and reduce discomfort throughout the rehabilitation process.
Sports massage is not only for elite athletes but can be useful for anyone who regularly engages in physical activities. This includes anyone who regularly performs activities such as biking, hiking, swimming, tennis, golf, and even dancing. Someone who performs any of these activities can see benefits from sports massage in form of greater endurance while performing these activities and less soreness afterwards. In addition to these performance benefits, sports massage can also help reduce stress and has been linked to possible decreases in psychological depression.
At Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab, Inc. we have two licensed massage therapists on staff to help you stay in peak physical condition. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a sports massage, please give us a call at (330) 726-7404. We look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your peak performance level!
Sources:
https://www.massageenvy.com/massage/massage-types/sports-massage/
https://elementsmassage.com/brea/sports-massage