What is a Sports Massage?

What is a sports massage, and when should you get one?

If you are an athlete or participate in running, cycling or any kind of sports, a sports massage should be a regular part of your training routine.

But even if you’re not an athlete, there are many reasons why you might benefit from a sports massage.

In this blog post, we will discuss what a sports massage is and when you should consider getting one.

What is a sports massage?

A sports massage is a type of massage therapy that involves manipulating the soft tissues in the body to help with muscle recovery and improve athletic performance. It typically uses techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, stretching, and joint mobilisation to target specific areas of the body.

The different types of sports massage:

Sports massage techniques vary depending upon the type of sport the individual is involved in and can be categorised into four main categories: pre-event, post-event, rehabilitative, and maintenance.

• Pre-event sports massage is typically used to help people prepare for an upcoming competition or event. It helps warm up muscles and reduce muscle tension.
• A post-event sports massage is a type of massage given after someone has competed in an event. This type of massage helps the body recover from fatigue and trauma by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. It also helps reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.
• A rehabilitative sports massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on helping to restore and improve the physical functions of a person who has been injured or is recovering from an injury. This type of massage helps promote healing, reduce pain and inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve mobility.
• A maintenance sports massage is a type of massage therapy that helps to prevent injury, reduce fatigue, and maintain flexibility. It is typically used by people who participate in regular physical training and activities like running, swimming, or cycling.

What is the difference between a regular massage and a sports massage?

The main difference between a regular and a sports massage is that a sports massage is specifically tailored to people involved in physical activity. 

Sports massages can help improve performance, reduce muscle tension and soreness, promote healing, and prevent injury. 

They typically use techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, stretching, and joint mobilisation.

Sports massage vs deep tissue massage?

A sports massage differs from a deep tissue massage in that it is designed to target specific areas of the body and muscles related to a particular sport, whereas a deep tissue massage focuses on the underlying muscular structures and tissues. 

A sports massage is typically used as a preventative measure, helping to loosen and warm up tissues before activity and reduce fatigue during competition.

Is a sports massage full body?

A sports massage can be anything from a full body treatment to more localised, targeted areas. It primarily depends upon the individual and what their specific needs are. 

For instance, if they are training for a specific event or sport, a full body massage may help them prepare by increasing flexibility, range of motion, and preventing injuries.

How long does a sports massage take?

A sports massage typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the individual’s needs and the area of focus.

What should you wear for your first massage?

When going for your first sports massage, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that allows the therapist to access the areas being worked on. 

Loose-fitting shorts and a tank top or t-shirt are recommended. It is also advised to wear shorts or pants that go below the knee so that the therapist can work on the entire leg.

What are the benefits of getting a sports massage?

Sports massage has been proven to be beneficial for people & athletes at all levels who participate in regular physical training or activities, such as running, cycling, swimming, or any other sport.

The benefits of a sports massage include:

• Improved flexibility and range of motion, 
• Increased blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Reduced inflammation and muscle soreness, 
• Prevention of injuries through targeted areas of the body, and 
• Improved mental clarity. 

Additionally, sports massage can help improve performance by increasing power and endurance whilst reducing fatigue.

Sports massage also promotes relaxation and aids in stress relief by releasing endorphins into the body, which have a calming effect on the muscles. This can also help prevent injuries due to overuse or improper technique when training or competing. 

Overall, the benefits of sports massage greatly outweigh those of traditional massage due to its focus on specific muscle groups and its ability to target areas that may be prone to injury or require extra care during physical activity. Sports massage therapy can be administered before an event or competition to prepare the body for maximum performance and afterwards to aid in recovery from trauma caused by intense exercise. 

It also serves as an effective form of maintenance for athletes who are involved in regular physical training or activities in order to keep them performing at their best level possible.

Who should get a sports massage?

Sports massages are beneficial for people & athletes at all levels. They are especially recommended for athletes who are involved in regular physical training.

Who should not get a sports massage?

Anyone who has had a recent or acute injury should not receive a sports massage, as applying pressure to the injured area may cause further aggravation to the injury.

How often should you get a sports massage?

The frequency of a sports massage will depend upon the individual and their specific needs. Generally, athletes who are training for a particular event or sport should receive a massage at least once per week to ensure optimum performance and prevent injuries. 

It may be beneficial to receive two massages per week during periods of intense training, as this helps with tissue rejuvenation and recovery.

Conclusion

So, if you’re looking for a sports massage in Horsham, our sports therapist Cass Rugginz is the perfect person to help you out. She has years of experience and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sports massage therapy.