Sports Massage: What Makes It Unique?

Sports Massage: What Makes It Unique?

Sport Massage: What Makes It Unique?

Why is sport massage different from other types of massage? Find out more inside, even if you're not an athlete.

Keyword(s): sport massage

Massage therapy is a $16 billion industry. Revenue will keep rising beyond 2020 by 4% a year. And there's a reason for that.

Sport massage is quickly becoming a part of people's health and wellness routine. Read on to learn why sports massage therapy is unique and what its benefits are.

What Is a Sports Massage?

The sports massage definition can be described as a type of deep tissue massage that can help athletes perform at their best. This type of massage is performed by a sports massage therapist.

It is designed to help athletes recover from intense training, competitions and so on. But sports massage therapy is not just for professional athletes. People who work out at the gym regularly (and not so regularly) can benefit from sports massage.

Individuals who take part in recreational sports, boot camps and fun runs can enjoy the benefits of sports massages. So can bodybuilders, cyclists, and triathletes.

There are also people who need sports massage because of soreness due to activity. Maybe you spent all day gardening and feel sore. Or maybe you went for a hike for the first time in years and are in pain.

Anyone who has pulled a muscle feels soreness or stiffness can benefit from a sports massage.

Benefits of Sports Massage

Sports massage therapy can help athletes both before and after an event. Before an event, sports massage techniques are used to activate weak muscles and ensure that muscles are firing correctly. Massage also improves flexibility.

Then, athletes can perform better during the event.

Athletes perform a lot of repetitive motions like swinging a baseball bat or doing the breaststroke. This can limit their range of motion and cause pain and discomfort.

A recent study found that massage therapy significantly improved the shoulder range of motion.

Sports massage also aids in recovery after events and intense training. It helps the body get rid of lactic acid buildup and reduces muscle soreness.

A sports massage therapist can also help people recover from an injury. There are specific sports massage techniques that aid in muscle repair and strains.

And, let's not forget the benefit of relaxation! Setting aside an hour to relax and be still can have a huge positive impact on athletes at any stage of their training.

For non-athletes, a sports massage can be used to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension and fatigue. It also promotes better blood flow and muscle flexibility. And it will also deactivate any muscle trigger points.

Massage can benefit athletes and non-athletes alike.

Sports Massage Versus Other Types of Massage

A common question people ask is what makes a sports massage different than all the other kinds of massages out there?

The main difference is that the aim of sports massage is not relaxation. Though that is a byproduct of the massage, sports massage is meant to fix a certain issue. Whether it's recovery or improved performance.

During a sports massage, you might feel some discomfort. That's because a sports massage therapist will find the tight and sore muscles in your body and work to release them. The good news is that you can always tell your massage therapist to ease up with the intensity.

Assessment and Communication

Also, sports massage therapy includes a clinical assessment. The therapists take time to assess your range of motion and talk to you about what you've experienced and what you want to achieve.

There is a lot of communication during a sports massage. This is not the case if you go for a Swedish or relaxation massage. Not only will you communicate about the intensity and pressure points during treatment, but you'll also talk about your training, history and upcoming events.

Kinesiology Taping

Sports massage therapists can also combine massage with Kinesiology taping. This special tape is used to pull the skin into a certain position.

This can help improve joint alignment and create more space between the muscle and the dermis. Taping relieves the pressure on sore areas and allows better lymph drainage.

The tape will typically stay on for two to five days after your massage. During that time, your body has a chance to improve its range of motion and muscle activity.

Sport Massage for Chronic Pain, Injuries and Aches

We've said it already: sports massage isn't just for athletes. If you suffer from a restricted range of motion, muscle aches, and pains or have an injury, sports massage can help.

Sports massage can help balance the musculoskeletal system so you can feel better in your body.

You can book a sports massage appointment for help with neck and back pain, headaches and migraines.

If you have osteoarthritis, sports massage can reduce knee and hip pain. Sports massage helps with fibromyalgia, rheumatic pain, circulation, and digestion problem. It also alleviates sciatica, golfer's elbow and so much more!

People who sit at a desk for work greatly benefit from regular sports massage treatments. During your appointment, your sports massage therapy will guide your muscles into a more flexible state. This can undo some of the damage from extended periods of sitting.

Regular massage can help prevent chronic pain and repetitive strain injury.

Bottom Line

Thanks for reading. We hope this article has given you a good understanding of what sport massage is and who can benefit from it.

Now you see that you don't have to play sports competitively to benefit from sports massage.

Read our testimonials and learn why Saratoga Sports Massage is the best choice for all your massage needs. Then book an appointment to feel better.