It’s a no-brainer: exercise is good for your body–right? While exercise is great for your heart, mind, and body in general, lots of work in the gym or on the trails can lead to serious soreness and tension.
When you use your muscles over and over, they can give you trouble. Repeated stress can lead to injuries, pain, and tension. Over time, you can face fatigue, muscle strain, and tightness that makes you less flexible than you want–or need–to be.
Some people may turn to painkillers to help manage the unwanted effects of strenuous exercise, or some may give up their favorite forms of training altogether. But there is another choice.
Regular sports massage can help you manage or counteract some of the pain and tension caused by frequent or repetitive muscle use. Learn more about this unique form of massage and how it can help you stay active without pain.
What is a Sports Massage?
Getting a massage has long been associated with relaxation and easing physical tension. But sports massage is a focused, systematic kind of massage that uses specific techniques to relieve pain and stress in the muscles people repeatedly use during exercise or while playing sports.
The goals of a sports massage are:
- To decrease pain
- To increase flexibility
- To improve range of motion
- To prevent repetitive use injuries
- To improve recovery
Regular sports massage can help people maintain functioning, improve their athletic performance, and get the most out of their training.
What Techniques are Used During Sports Massage?
A sports massage therapist uses a combination of techniques and movements to provide relief. Massages are tailored to address the specific needs and concerns of each client. There are several techniques used during sports massage to increase the benefits of this practice, including:
- Kneading
- Compression
- Stroking
- Friction
- Rhythmic striking
- Vibration
- Gliding
- Stretching
- Trigger points
- Swedish-style massage
- Percussion
Sports massage differs from other types of massage because it focuses on specific joints and muscle groups used to perform a range of athletic movements. It is a safe, effective way to help muscles recover from injuries and overuse. Regular sports massages can help you keep moving the way you want to with less pain, stiffness, and tension.
Who Benefits from Sports Massage?
Anyone who exercises, trains muscles, or plays sports can benefit from sports massage. Whether you are a competitive bodybuilder, professional athlete, distance runner, hiker, or weekend warrior, regular sports massage can keep you feeling–and performing–your best.
Some of the benefits of regular sports massage include:
- Better range of motion in your joints
- More flexibility
- Less muscle tension and pain
- Reduced muscle spasms
- Less anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Decreased nerve excitability
- Improved sleep quality
Some people also report better blood flow, faster elimination of lactic acid, lower risk of injury, and faster recovery between training sessions.
Find a Sports Massage Denver Today
No matter your movement of choice, regular sports massage can keep you moving comfortably. It’s important to find a licensed, experienced sports massage therapist. Reach out to Motion Fitness to find an experienced sports massage Denver today.
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