Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage has been used as an active recovery for thousands of years now, and anybody that engaging in physical activity for sports, fitness or recreation can benefit from becoming sports massage. The great thing about sports massage is that anyone can get it whether they are old or young. It doesn't matter how young or fit 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 equilibrium within the body.
There are many advantages to getting a sports massage besides restoring physical balance. Among the most notable and approved benefits of sports massage is that it improves lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic fluids drain to your lower extremities to keep you oxygenated, flush out any unwanted waste products, and help you move freely during the day. Sports massage helps circulate lymph fluid which is important to keeping you healthy and free of congestion. If you feel constricted or congestion in your upper body, then it may be due to a congested lymphatic system.
When you get a sports massage, the therapist will concentrate 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 that they don't tear when you move. Some therapists use light hand motions to help loosen up tight muscles.
There are particular muscle groups that are known to be painful after performing a certain motion or engaging in a certain activity. For example, if you were to rub your upper back muscles, then you could likely expect some pain. When a therapist gives a sports massage, he or she focuses on these muscle groups to release muscle tension and relieve pain. In actuality, most frequent sports related injuries happen due to overuse of muscles in the wrong locations.
Using a sports massage, the therapist will typically start by applying a topical anesthetic or nitric oxide. The anesthetic numbness causes the muscles to relax, but it does not affect blood flow to the area, so the therapist uses more pressure with each stroke. More pressure is used, and the muscles are stretched and manipulated more intensely. Following the massage, your therapist might apply a cooling pad to minimize swelling and inflammation.
Although this seems like a simple procedure, this type 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 dealing with your mind/body connection and your emotions. Therefore, you must know about what is happening to you during the procedure. If you experience pain, tell your therapist immediately.
In case you've got soft tissue repair needs, you might experience muscle stiffness as well. This is normal when you first receive your treatment and usually goes away within a day. Your therapist may suggest a day or two of rest after your sports massage, based on your injury and present condition. If you experience minor discomfort or soreness, then ask whether there's a possibility of using heat or ice therapy on your injury.
Sports massage therapy is not for everybody. In case you've got busy or semi-active muscles, soft tissue repair is not a perfect solution. However, if you suffer from chronic pain, have fractures, or other issues which affect the ligaments, tendons, and other tissues, you should think about it. Even if you are generally healthy, receiving a therapeutic sports massage can help to reduce the amount of stress on your body, improve circulation, and promote proper joint mobility. This is a fantastic activity to add to your health regimen!