Sports Massage therapy has been around for quite a while and has been a necessity for professional athletes. England football team fans will recall the emergency treatment that its players sought during the 2018 World Cup semi-final. When the semi-final was in a tension break at the end of extra time physical therapists were seeking to reduce the damage to muscles. England fell short in the semi-finals, but the powerful benefits of sports massages are still.
Presently, sports Massage treatment is becoming more popular than ever, particularly with people who are not professionals.
Why are sportsmen and women so in love with Sports Massages? The answer issimple: because they are effective. Here are 11 reasons an Sports Massage can change your life, in only 30 minutes.
1. It’s a tested treatment for muscle soreness, injury and prevention
A majority of women and men suffer from soreness following a workout. This muscle soreness generally begins with a dull ache that starts a few hours after exercise and lasts for a number of days. It is also known as delayed onset muscles soreness (DOMS). The most common cause of DOMS is thought to be eccentric contraction which causes the muscle to lengthen as it contracts. This is the case for actions like going downhill in a race, or lifting weights, or lowering into pushing up or squatting. Particularly, lower body movements can cause more soreness than exercises that target the upper body.
The soreness usually manifests about six to eight hours after exercising. It can peak anywhere from one to two full days after exercise, then diminishing in the following 72 hours.
One Australian study compared two groups of men and women to see whether massage therapy for sports was effective. There was a “control” group who did not get sports massage therapy, and a second group who did. Both groups engaged in “eccentric exercises” to increase DOMS. After three hours, the members of the other group received 10 minutes of massage. The study, which was which was reported in the Journal of Athletic Training, discovered that muscle soreness was “significantly lower” in the massage group.
The conclusion: sports massage therapy itself alleviated soreness and discomfort by about 30 per cent.
Similarly, this study from the Journal of Sports Sciences concluded that a massage lasting 30 minutes worked wonders for bodybuilders post-exercise. In addition to helping bodybuilders exhibit a greater recovery rate as well as improved their performance during subsequent workouts, allowing them to recover faster afterward.
This study, which was published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, found sports massage therapy was beneficial to the healing process of soft tissues. The treatments increased the healing capacity of cells called fibroblasts in massaged tendons, which accelerated the healing process in injured soft tissues. (Fibroblasts are a type of cell in the body which play an important function in healing connective tissue.)
2. The way that sports massage therapists employ specific techniques unique to the practice of sports massage.
It is often asked the question: What is a sporting massage?
It is a modern and sophisticated form in massage therapy. It utilizes similar techniques to those used in other massage styles, and much more. The same techniques are used in effleurage as well as petrissage, which a majority of people will know (even even if they’re unfamiliar of the words) for example, the circular stroking movements, and squeezes, made with the palm of the hand.
But here is where the similarities end. Here are some of the aspects that make sports massage truly special:
In contrast to other types in massage therapy, the sport massage is a form of the concept of’myofascial’. It is a method that can be used to pinpoint discomfort in the body, more specifically, it can be used to determine if pain could radiate from a specific point in the affected muscle.
Myofasical release is one of many neuromuscular techniques that sports massage therapists use to help recover. To enable neuromuscular techniques (sometimes called “neuromuscular therapy”) to help in the recovery from chronic and acute pain syndromes, certain methods are needed. This includes stretching and flexing muscles that are affected, and home self-treatment. In contrast to regular massages, sports treatment for massage requires “homework” -and commitment in order to maximize the benefits to be realized, which includes regular stretching exercises and the use of a foam roller.
The effects of myofasical relaxation can be felt deep within the muscles. This means less pressure on joints, as well as the reduction of discomfort in the affected area. A sports massage unlike other massages not just target the muscles, but the entire soft tissue, such as the ligaments, the tendons, and the fascia. (The fascia is a thin layer of fibrous tissue that is surrounded by the muscle.) It directly connects to the source of muscles overworked as a result from strenuous training, sports.
3. Massage for sports as opposed to. deep tissue: How the sports massage is more specific than a deep tissue massage in the treatment of injuries resulting from sports.
It’s not unusual to hear people ask what the difference between sports massage therapy and a deeply tissue massage.
As stated above there are commonalities across all of the massage techniques that could lead to confusion.
The reason for this is the name: a deep tissue massage focuses on the tissue layers on top of the muscle, and it is not focused on the muscle. This type of pressure is fantastic to dispel any newly formed knots or rid of “new” tension in an region. For “newer” and minor, pains and aches deep tissue massages are the most efficient.
Massage therapy that is based on sports is effective at treating aches knots, pains and knots that accumulate over time. The pains that are experienced tend to be “older” in nature and are more intense than those which deep tissue massage targets.
Massage for sports and the deep tissue massage have similar methods and goals, but the deep tissue massage has a more “long in the long run”. Deep tissue massages are excellent in helping to recover and relieving pains and aches throughout the body, such as low back pain or repetitive strain injuries, however for the constant soreness and injuries that result from vigorous training or an busy lifestyle are the main reasons why decide to go for massage therapy for sports.
Sports Massage Pricing
4. Massage therapists in sports are required to be particularly knowledgeable about anatomical anatomy and the body to be able for a sport massage to work
The most frequently asked question is: What does a massage therapist do?
The distinct elements that differentiate the sports massage treatment from all other massage techniques have already been covered. Sports massage therapy is a refined form of massage. Its primary goal is of improving athletic performance and increasing recovery speed (as as reducing the chance of sustaining injuries).
Sports massage therapists are there to apply the unique techniques to the sports massage. This requires specialized knowledge that masseuses or masseuses may not have.
They are beneficial because professionals who provide massage therapy for athletes are required to have an understanding regarding the human anatomy.
A solid understanding of the body’s structure is essential to aid in the identification of abnormalities and conditions that may lead to injuries if left untreated. The manipulation of muscles is also a delicate art.
There’s an art of avoiding problems and making them more difficult, which is the reason the highest level of anatomical understanding is essential.
5. A massage for sports has “different strokes” which utilize the “healing force of contact”
One of the most frequently requested is the difference is between deep tissue massages and an athletic massage. It’s rare for a sports massage to be compared to the Swedish massage, however, in actuality the sports massage is likely more similar to a Swedish massage than deep tissue.
Sports massages are a part methods of Swedish massage.
As per Harvard Medical School, the Swedish massage uses a series of long, gentle strokes that soothe muscles, relax the connective tissue and increase circulation. The Swedish massage is called “ideal for those who are new to massage and seeking a simple, relaxing massage”.
The sports massage employs the same glide strokes, but with the goal of the healing process, recovering from injuries from sports, and also preventing them from occurring.
The sports massage can be described as a variation of the relaxing strokes of Swedish massage to deliver the most customized treatment.
The reason that a sports massage is frequently compared to a deep tissue massage and not the Swedish massage — may be because both the deep tissue massage and sports massages are usually related to “good pain” or a minor discomfort. This is because, in order for a sport massage to work it requires a wider range of motion is often essential.
6. A massage during or following a workout can have notable benefits on performance
It is normal for athletes or sport enthusiasts to receive a “pre-event” massage. These areeffectively warm-up massages that can last from 15 minutes to almost an hour, and are typically localised to the body parts which are to be worked on. Certain pre-event sports massages are performed within two hours of the event.
The benefits of a pre-event massage do not have to occur immediately prior to the event, or even at the time of event. It could be a useful “warm up” starting as early as seven days prior to the exertion.
When you have a pre-event sport massage, the techniques are lessened to increase the joint’s mobility and enable stretching of the soft tissues. It’s designed to help with relaxation and focus , and in this way, is closer to it’s Swedish massage.
This is where the difference of the deeper tissue massage and sports massage become clearer: a deeper tissue massage is not recommended prior to a workout because the strong pressures on the muscle tissue force the body into a recovery mode, not a state of readiness.
Pre-event massages are typically accompanied by post-event massages. Veteran athletes can begin these sessions after a few hours. Like their pre-event equivalents, a good recovery-focused massage can be beneficial for recovering days following an event.
7. Massage therapy for maintenance and therapy during exercises
In that tragic 2018. World Cup semi-final, after an entire 90 minutes of play , and prior to additional time was up that was added, the England team’s coaching staff rushed to apply sports massage therapy to their players. During an exercise the type of massage therapy is often known as maintenance massage.
Maintenance massage has, confusingly there are two meanings. Runner’s World identifies the maintenance massage as a treatment that relieves tightness within the soft tissue during a performance. Depending on the circumstances this may last for 30 minutes or more generally during the training process for a large event, such as the marathon.
But the term “maintenance massage” is also utilized to refer to regular massage sessions for athletes. In this manner, the maintenance message can typically be more lengthy than their preor post-sports massage counterparts. They use more powerful strokes to work out the tension. They also place particular attention paid to trigger points where the stress might be radiating from the muscle. They they are usually recommended at least once a week for optimal efficacy.
In order to avoid confusion, it may be beneficial to refer to an Runner’s World definition as pit stop maintenance. This provides a vivid, sharp image, such as that of the England team’s rush to recover prior to extra time.
8. The benefits of a sports massage are immense. health and therapeutic benefits.
The benefits of sports massages are the bonus of having the therapeutic aspects that other types of massage are recognized for. They aid in injury prevention and healing, as well as in the overall health of the athlete. It eases the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
One study also found that a massage for a short period resulted in positive hemodynamic changes in the body, including lower blood pressure as well as a reduced heart rate.
For tackling stress, a sports massage is highly effective as it promotes the release of certain neurotransmitters known as endorphins that are released from the pituitary gland as well as the hypothalamus — these endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller.
Massage therapy, as a stand-alone treatment , can help sufferers of musculoskeletal conditions by alleviating pain and enhancing performance.
9. A massage for sports helps flush out toxins and improves blood and lymphatic circulation.
Massage therapy helps to rebalance the muscles and connective tissue. But the techniques involved also aid in flushing out toxins through the process. It is through two different ways that these techniques for neuromuscular therapy work to their full potential, one of which is by applying pressure and stimulating circulation around the body:
Applying a scientific, mechanical pressure on the connective muscles and connective. Toxins often accumulate on joints. If left untreated, these toxins can accumulate which can cause more serious injuries, and more often. The toxins get “flushed” upon applying a physical, or technical pressure to connective tissue and muscles.
This pressure from the mechanical aids in improving the body’s circulation. This guarantees a steady the flow of blood throughout all organs, as well as it helps to ensure the “venous return”. The venous return is the flow of blood back to the heart. This venous return that is crucial to eliminate the toxins.
It is this venous supply that is also the reason for recovery. DOMS that is caused by regular or vigorous exercise is due to lactic acid and lactic acids reduce oxygen and blood flow within the contracting muscle, which causes muscles to weaken and pain. But the massages during sports can help in supplying blood back to the muscles.
The compression techniques employed in massage therapy for sports also work for stimulating lymphatic systems. One study revealed the fact that “direct physical pressure” on a specific area of the body boosted “local micro-circulatory blood flow and lymph flow outcomes”.
A lymphatic system that is stimulated will result in more lymphatic drainage. A lymphatic system that is more active will not only help to speed up recovery time, but can prevent conditions such as oedema and lymphedema.
10. Massage therapy encompasses wisdom passed down from the ancients.
Massage has been used by health professionals for treating injuries and illnesses for many thousands of years. The first documented examples are from Ancient China around 3000 – 2500 BC.
Massage therapy developed independently in the ancient kingdoms of Egypt, India, and Japan in one way or another. Aspects of Egyptian massage, the reflexology technique, spread into Europe, and are still being used today.
The word “massage” taken from the Greek word meaning “to work with the hands for example, mixing dough”. Massage treatments in Ancient Greece likely began around 800 BC. Around the time of the fifth century BC Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine recommended “friction” and the benefits of massaging the body as a means to treat physical injuries.
11. The practice of sports massage is a result of a phenomenal success
Massage therapy is a long-standing practice. But the practice and refinement of sports massage therapy is only a lifetime old.
Sports massage therapy was developed in Finland in the beginning of the 20th century. Its roots are in the Swedish massage systemthat was developed in the Finnish School of Massage.
in 1924 Paavo Nurmi was the “Flying Finn” was awarded five medals of gold at the Paris Olympics — among them an 5,000m race that took less than two hours after his 1,500m race and setting world record times. Nurmi’s dominance will never be matched. The thing that brought the world to a standstill and take notice of sports massage therapy was Nurmi’s introduction of this ancient Finnish practice of massage therapy into his routine of training.
When World War Two Jack Meagher was who was known as “father of American massage” served in the US army as a medic. He first encountered the techniques of the sports massage after an German POW gifted him a massage.
Meagher could hardly believe the “astounding” improvements in his athleticism. Later, he would create the term “sports massage” and created Meagher Method. Meagher Method.
The Meagher Method is a series of soft tissue applications developed based on Meagher’s knowledge of muscular kineticsas well as its anatomy as well as physiology that the body has.
Are you feeling a little sore after a massage? Good. Feeling sore after a workout? Ask yourself: Is there a place where I can receive an exercise massage close to me?
Sports massage therapy has never been more popular with professionals as well as amateurs and hobbyists alike. The long-running and prolific successes are a huge testament to its effectiveness.
The pain that is associated with DOMS results from the micro trauma inflicted on muscles and connective tissues during a workout and can result in inflammation. The treatment and prevention of DOMS is one of the main goals of sports massage therapy.
The practice of sports massage has been defined as the “targeted therapeutic treatment for the particular biomechanical and physical demands of athletes” However, that doesn’t mean sports massage is just for those who are athletes or sports enthusiasts.
In fact, as is proven that sports massage therapy can be an excellent source of other benefits that even non-sports enthusiasts might like. This could be the case for those who aren’t so active and may still be carrying the aches and knots of the past when they were active and those who continue to walk regularly, or for anyone who is interested.
- Business news from the UK, Europe and beyond.
- March 26, 2025 10:01 pm