
Sports Massage
Sports massage is focused and systematic, targeting muscles that are used in a specific sport. It uses various techniques to decrease muscle pain and improve recovery, as well as improve overall range of motion and flexibility to support safe and effective movement.
A therapist can assist with training, rehabilitation, and pre- or post-performance goals. While often sought by elite and amateur athletes, it can also be beneficial for anyone who regularly exercises.
What Is Sports Massage?
Various movements and techniques are used to try to help an athlete’s body achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning, with a decreased chance of injury or pain and a quicker recovery.
A session is specifically tailored to an individual’s needs. Some elements of the massage are used in other physical therapy settings and to treat conditions outside of sports, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sports Massage Benefits
Many sports massage benefits have been reported on the basis of experience and observation alone. These include:
• Increased joint range of motion (ROM)
• Increased flexibility
• Decreased muscle tension
• Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
• Decreased muscle spasms
• Increased sense of well-being
• Decreased anxiety and improved mood
• Better sleep
Purported benefits for which there is limited research evidence include:
• Increased blood flow
• Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid)
• Decreased chance of injury
Side Effects
For the most part, it is safe with very few side effects.
Potential side effects of the massage include tenderness or stiffness for one to two days after a therapy session.
It’s also possible that you could have a skin reaction to the massage oils used.
How Painful Is It?
You may feel some discomfort during or after a massage, but it should not cause significant pain.