Sports Massage | Recover and Relax

Being an athlete or a sports-player is amongst the most physically demanding professions. Regardless, if you are a professional or get in some active-hours over the weekend, your body goes through a lot of wear and tear. Hence it requires proper recovery and adequate rest to avoid any long-term injuries.

One way to make sure that your body is being maintained well is to regularly get a sports massage. Apart from helping you relax and rehabilitate; it also acts as a preventive measure for potential injuries. Checking in with your therapist a few times every month is an excellent way of understanding how well your body functions and what parts need more attention and care. 

Origin

Sports-massage originated in ancient Greece and Rome, where it became a part of the formal athletic training. Other cultures have also shown some form of sports-massage being used, e.g., Martial Arts and dancing. One of the most famous Olympic runners, Paavo Nurmi, has used it in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he won five gold medals. 

Types of Sports Massage

There are three main types of Sports Massage:
 

• Pre-event massage: This massage is carried out before the event to warm up and loosen the muscles. It is used to condition the muscles and stretch them out as a measure to prevent injury.

• Maintenance Massage: This is administered during the training process to ensure no strain on the muscles, or microtraumas caused due to the training. It also helps stimulate blood flow which is necessary for performing well on the ground.

• Post-event massage: After a period of strenuous training and exertion it is essential to make sure that there are no injuries, and even if there are, this massage helps in aiding a fast recovery and in maintaining the mobility of that region.

All of these massages aim towards upkeep and rehabilitation of an athlete’s body. In addition to the apparent positives of sports-massage, here are a few more benefits that can be reaped by people who play sports occasionally:
 

1. Better range of motion
2. Increased flexibility
3. Improved sleep
4. Reduced muscle-tension
5. Improved mood

If you want to get yourself a Sports massage, here are few things to keep in mind:

Pick: It all comes down to the therapist you choose, so make sure there is open communication between both of you, to understand your needs and requirements. Answer all of your therapist questions accurately and feel free to ask if you have any doubts and reservations.

Scheduling: Busy playing football this weekend? Book a post-event massage that’ll help you relax and recover from it. Plan your appointment, smartly!

Hydrate: One of the most important aspects of getting any form of therapy is feeling comfortable and ready. Taking breaks in-between a massage is not the most optimal choice.

Sports-massage is also said to have many psychological benefits, so if you are looking to boost your mood while working on your flexibility, this one’s for you!

Yours in self-care,

Adrian Wilk