Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage has been utilized as an active recovery for thousands of years now, and anyone that engaging in physical activity either for sports, fitness or recreation can definitely benefit from becoming sports massage. The excellent thing about sports massage is that anyone can get it whether they are young or old. It doesn't matter how fit or young you are because it still works the same on both. There's a principle behind this type of treatment called meridian therapy. Basically, meridian therapy involves targeting specific points along energy channels to restore balance within the body.
There are many advantages to getting a sports massage besides restoring bodily equilibrium. Among the most notable and accepted benefits of sports massage is that it enhances blood flow. Lymphatic fluids drain to your lower extremities to keep you oxygenated, flush out any unwanted waste products, and allow you to move freely during the day. Sports massage helps circulate lymph fluid that's key to keeping you healthy and free of congestion. If you feel constricted or congestion in your upper body, then it might be due to a congested lymphatic system.
When you get a sports massage, the therapist will focus on the major muscle groups. This includes the shoulders, upper arms, back, hips, and buttocks. Most sports massage includes kneading and massaging the muscles, stretching the tendons, and rubbing the fascia, or connective tissues on the surface of the muscles. These tissues provide flexibility and strength to the muscles, but they also cushion the muscles so they don't tear when you move. Some therapists use light hand motions to help loosen up tight muscles.
There are particular muscle groups which are known to be painful after performing a certain motion or engaging in a specific activity. For example, if you were to rub your upper back muscles, you could likely expect some pain. When a therapist gives a sports massage, he or she concentrates on these muscle groups to release muscle tension and relieve pain. In fact, most frequent sports related injuries happen as a result of overuse of muscles in the wrong locations.
Using a sports massage, the therapist will typically begin by applying a topical anesthetic or nitric oxide. The anesthetic numbness causes the muscles to relax, but it doesn't affect blood flow to the area, so the therapist uses more pressure with every stroke. More pressure is applied, and the muscles are stretched and manipulated more intensely. Following the massage, your therapist may apply a cooling pad to minimize swelling and inflammation.
Although this seems like a very simple procedure, this sort of massage therapy is not something that should be done"just for fun". Although this isn't considered a medical treatment, your therapist is still coping with your mind/body connection and your emotions. Therefore, you must be aware of what's happening to you during the procedure. If you experience pain, tell your therapist immediately.
If you've got soft tissue repair requirements, you may experience muscle stiffness also. This is normal when you first receive your treatment and usually goes away within 24 hours. Your therapist may indicate a day or two of rest after your sports massage, depending upon your injury and current condition. If you experience minor discomfort or soreness, ask whether there's a possibility of using ice or heat therapy on your injury.
Sports massage therapy isn't for everyone. If you have busy or semi-active muscles, soft tissue repair isn't a perfect solution. But if you suffer from chronic pain, have fractures, or other issues that affect the ligaments, tendons, and other tissues, you should think about it. Even if you're generally healthy, receiving a therapeutic sports massage can help reduce the amount of stress in your body, improve circulation, and encourage proper joint mobility. This is a great activity to enhance your health regimen!
