The ‘ABCs’ of Sports Massage
Posted in Fly Fishing Gear on the February 11, 2010
Sports massage is one of the many ways that athletes can help maintain health and promote relaxation. Massage techniques are different from country to country, so sports massage techniques are wide and varied. One might assume that there is “traditional” sports massage, but just what “traditional” means varies greatly! In other words, it’s possible to realize sports massage benefits no matter where you are in the world.
Relaxation is a compelling reason to seek out massage, but by no means is it the only reason to do so. Avid sportspersons and athletes know that good, frequent or semi-frequent sports massage is key to an optimal training regimen. For those who’ve had injuries, sports massage is indispensable. Damaged muscle tissue, ligaments, and joints will all function much better with the addition of sports massage. Compared to the various other types of body therapy, massage is affordable. Many areas have plenty of practicing massage therapists in easy distance, so a few phone calls will find you someone to help.
You’ll find that you experience increased relaxation with massage, especially using a tool such as The Stick. This is the easiest benefit of massage to identify. There are some people who love light massage that is very relaxing, perhaps even falling asleep on the table. Others prefer deep muscle techniques that can leave them a bit sore for the intensity of the massage. No matter which type of massage you prefer, there is a practitioner that can help you safely.
Reduction in injuries for sportspersons is another great benefit of sports massage. Of course, athletes know that they must warm up before a workout, and add a stretching regimen to keep muscles flexible. Warm ups and stretches are necessary to avoid sustaining injury. If you participate in high intensity type sports, skipping warm ups and stretches can lead to muscular pain. By adding a regimen of sports massage, they will see reduced pain and fewer injuries.
Another effect of sports massage that might not be so obvious is that there is a reduction in migraines and tension headaches. Instead of popping a pill whenever headaches rear up, try incorporating regular massage. With tension as the cause of a tension headache, find a way to alleviate that tension – massage! The cause of migraines can be different from person to person, so it isn’t always a sure thing that massage will be a cure-all. However, many will find that regular sports massage can help to cut down on migraines.