How is a Sports Massage Different?
Posted on: June 13, 2014
A sports massage is a different type of massage that can be performed. This type of massage varies from a traditional Swedish massage and it targets different areas of the body. Typically, a sports massage involves forms of trigger point therapy. This therapy helps to reduce and break down any adhesions that are present in your muscles. These adhesions hinder you from performing correctly and cause your muscles to ache.
Sports Massage vs. Swedish Massage
A sports massage is used to help athletes before, during, and after they perform on the field. Anyone can receive this massage, especially if they are suffering from aches and pains. The concept behind this massage is to prepare the body for physical activity and keep it from getting injured. The massage reduces any stress and tension that is felt. A sports massage is able to break down tissues when a part of the body is injured or overextended during a sport. A Swedish massage is used for relaxation purposes and helps relax the muscles and tension in your body. This massage uses long and soothing strokes to accomplish that. A Swedish massage is typically sought out by people who experience pain from stress in their lives. The main focus behind a Swedish relaxation massage is to improve blood circulation in the body and remove toxins from the muscles.
Benefits of a Sports Massage
There are many benefits to having a sports massage performed on the body. Some of the benefits may be obvious and others are not so obvious to many people. A sports massage can help:
- Improve blood flow
- Improve mobility
- Relieve pain
- Reduce injury
- Decrease recovery times
- Release lactic acid
- Reduce muscle tension
- Improve muscle spasms
It is important for you to get a sports massage performed if you are an athlete. If you are not an athlete and you want to experience a sports massage to target specific areas of the body, you can do so. If you do have an injury, tell your massage therapist so that she can focus on this area and help improve the function and mobility of the injured part. Once your sports massage if over you will be relieved from your pain and you will feel much better.