WHY SPORTS MASSAGE ?
The main goal behind sports massage is to loosen tight muscles and increase circulation, but it is actually so much more than a traditional Deep Tissue massage and uses other techniques, such as stretching, to help muscles and other soft tissues recover from physical activities. The goal isn’t just “relaxation,” but healing of the muscles.
Find out here what a sports massage can do for you, whether you’re a recreational or pro athlete.
As an athlete, you’ll notice that your muscles and joints constantly feel tense after exercising. As you may well know, this can lead to aches, soreness, and stiffness the next day. Pain that can be alleviated with the help of sports massage.
IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY
Tense muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues can prevent your body from moving in an optimal way. Preventing the body from experiencing its full range of motion. Regardless of your sport, a flexible body will always perform better.
INCRESEAD ENERGY
Massaging the muscle can increase the number of mitochondria in your muscle cells. Mitochondria is “the powerhouse of the cell” as mitochondria produces energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Having more mitochondria increases the rate that your muscles convert oxygen into ATP. This process gives your muscles an extra boost when they need it most.
REDUCED MUSCLE PAIN
Your body uses oxygen to fuel your muscles during exercise.. But if your activity levels outpace your oxygen, your muscles will create lactic acid. In some cases, this lactic acid can build up in your bloodstream faster than you can use it. Meaning that you will be often sore and left with aching muscles the next day. Your body can get rid of its excess lactic acid but living or training with sore muscles is not the best option, especially when this pain can be alleviated by a massage. Massage actually breaks up lactic acid so your liver can get rid of it more easily. This is why the best time for a massage is after a training session or a race.
IMPROVED BLOOD CIRCULATION
When our muscles are sore, tired, or injured, they don’t operate properly, restricting blood circulation. Our body then kicks into gear, spending more energy on healing. Unfortunately, it can leave us feeling sluggish and like we don’t have enough gas in the tank. An optimal blood circulation is key in securing an optimal recovery.
STRESS RELEASE
As an athlete, you might enjoy the physical benefits of sports massage the most, but don’t underestimate the role that your mental health plays in your overall sense of wellness. A sports massage is still a massage and it can come with all of the psychological benefits as any other massage, reducing stress and sleep quality. If you are a pro athlete, the mental stress can be just as grueling as the physical stress that you put your body through day after day. Taking the time to release both your body and your mind will ignite your performance and your personal life.
Marine Lenehan, Sports Nutritionist, Massage Therapist & Yoga Teacher