Whether you engage in sports professionally or as a personal hobby, it can take a toll on your body. With all of the benefits that come with physical activity, there also lies some risks and injuries. This is what makes sports recovery so important.
If you are undergoing training or any rigorous and continuous sports preparation, you will likely benefit from including the occasional athletic massage in your routine. There are actually different types of sports massage therapy that can help target specific problems and performance concerns.
Preventative Massages Can Decrease Injury
You can undergo a customized massage that targets your most used muscles and ensures that you avoid injuring yourself as much as possible. This type of massage can be a great preventative measure when done regularly, as it targets your soft tissue and improves your circulation.
In general, this type of massage should be done when you have a rest day so that you don’t feel sore on the day of your event.
You Can Correct Certain Recurring Issues
If you have stiff muscles, limited range of motion, and even dysfunctional breathing patterns, an athletic massage can help correct that. With each session, your body is able to lose tension, diminish errors in breathing, and develop your flexibility. Over time, this should help you get past personal hurdles in your development and improve your exercise ability.
A lot of recurring problems even worsen over time when swept under the rug. Massage therapy tackles these issues consistently without hindering an athlete’s ability to continue pursuing their objectives.
Recovery Massages Can Prevent Soreness and Help Repair Damage
One of the most troublesome aspects of being an athlete is delayed onset muscle soreness. Undergoing a recovery massage can help decrease that soreness. It’s best to do this the day after you have a game, activity, or event.
Another great aspect of recovery massage is that it boosts blood flow in a way that helps loosen muscles and repairs sustained damage. The immediate benefit of this is mitigating any further problems from arising. In the long run, it’s also good to relieve any chronic pain that may develop from your sporting activities.
Overworked Muscles Can Achieve Better Performance
There is a tendency for muscle groups to get overworked even if you allot adequate rest periods. With consistent massages that include recovery, flush, and maintenance variations, you should be able to improve your performance.
If you keep pushing your muscles, you will eventually suffer from reduced performance in your muscle function. Of course, you will need to give your muscles time to recover. What massage therapy does is help minimize the downtime by helping stimulate, stretch, and performance of the affected tissues. You will likely see how it helps you reach goals better.
Conclusion
It’s a good idea to look into sports massage therapy when you’re engaging in highly athletic activity. It’s even better sense to incorporate it into your overall routine. If you are about to or are already undergoing training for major events like a marathon or competition, it’s best to keep these options in mind.
With a skilled sports massage therapist, you should be able to hit your athletic goals and keep your muscles in good health. Meg Parker is a trained holistic fitness practitioner and intentional health coach in New York. Join her program and reclaim your inner champion today!
