Sports Massage is a specialised, effective therapy designed to improve an athlete’s performance. Injuries and pain are a normal part of any athlete’s life. Athletes of all levels, including beginners, college students and professionals are susceptible to different types of injuries. Some of these can be more dangerous than others.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost 36,000 individuals (aged 15 years and over) were hospitalised because of injuries in 2011-12. The reports further state that Australian football (3,186 cases) accounted for the highest number of injuries.
Injuries are the ugly side of all sports. They can occur anywhere, anytime, even during international events. Treating injuries takes time and money. Not to mention, major injuries such as head injury takes longer to heal. Athletes need to take several preventive measures to protect themselves from risky injuries. One of these is a Sports Massage
Why should you get a sports massage?
It offers a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to:
- Improves an athlete’s mental and physical health
- Reduces muscle pain (due to overused muscles) after intense physical activity
- Prevents injury (Improves blood circulation and restores muscle elasticity and mobility)
- Sharpens focus, concentration and confidence (promotes relaxation by reducing fatigue, exhaustion, anxiety and stress)
- Shortens injury recovery time
Incorporating sports massage into your routine is an effective way to enhancing your physical, physiological and psychological well-being. Ideally, athletes should have a sports massage before, during and after an event or competition.
What to expect when you get a Sports Massage
First off, you should consult a professional massage therapist to get a sports massage. Once you select a therapist, discuss whatever concerns or questions you have during the first consultation.
Your massage therapist will assess your health to suggest the right massage techniques. During a massage session, your therapist will focus on specific body area or areas, depending on your health needs. They can use a combination of massage techniques, including trigger point therapy, stretching, myofascial release and deep tissue massage. In addition to this, they may use additional techniques or tools (pain relief ointment). Generally, massage therapists offer customised treatments to each individual. However, their main focus is to target areas that are overused from repetitive movements.
If you participate in regular sports competitions, you should get sports massage therapy every week. However, it’s best to talk with your therapist to determine when and what type of massage you need.
