If you’re a professional athlete, then you’ll understand the importance of taking care of your body. Body conditioning, stretching, and eating well are just a few things that athletes need to consider to achieve the best performance.
Sports massages are also a vital part of ensuring your body is in optimal condition. Whether you’re a runner, gymnast, or weight-lifter, massage therapy has many benefits.
If massage therapy treatments aren’t already a part of your self-care routine, they should be. Not only can massage therapy help with issues that athletes frequently suffer from, but massage can also act as a preventative measure for injury. Read on to learn about the different types of massages available and which ones may be best for you.
What Issues Can Massage Therapy Treat?
Massage therapy isn’t just a way to de-stress and treat yourself. There are many different benefits of massage therapy for athletes, including the following:
- Alleviates muscle tension: In active people, it is common for muscles to get tense and for knots to develop due to over-activity or injury. Not only can tension be painful, but it can also seriously worsen your athletic performance and cause weakness.
- Increases blood flow: Athletes need more oxygen when working out and, therefore, good circulation. Massages can stimulate more blood flow, which also removes toxins.
- Helps recovery from injury: Better circulation also means faster healing. Massage therapy can help you get back to your best shape as an athlete.
- More muscle elasticity: Tense muscles can reduce your mobility which can harm your ability to move. Massage therapy will give you more flexibility and, therefore, make your muscles less prone to injury.
Massage therapy benefits are endless; it is excellent for various parts of the body and can alleviate pain and other neck, shoulders, back, and leg issues. Massages can also help with repetitive strain injury (RSI), migraines, strains, and sprains.
What is a Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage therapy treats issues with the muscles and tendons. Whether you have knotted or tense muscles or have suffered a sports injury, remedial massage can help.
During a remedial massage treatment, a masseuse will target the body’s damaged parts to alleviate pain and loosen knots and tension. In doing so, this should also increase blood circulation and trigger healing within your muscles and body. Remedial massage is the most common form of sports massage therapy.
What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage targets scar tissue build-up in your muscles. Repetitive injuries can cause tissue and tendon problems, and deep tissue massages involve having a lot of pressure applied to your muscles.
This massage form is an excellent option for athletes who may be suffering from severe injuries. This treatment penetrates the deeper layers of tissue and targets your tendons.
What is a Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is a therapeutic massage and is the best-known and most popular form of massage. While this massage targets muscle strain and aims to improve mobility and blood circulation, it is beneficial for everyone, not just athletes.
During a Swedish massage, your masseuse will apply less pressure than during other massage therapies. Unlike deep tissue massages, a Swedish massage won’t target deep muscles.
Which Massage is the Best for Me?
Remedial massages are great for athletes since they treat injuries and help with healing. If you have RSI from your sport, then regular remedial massages are a great way to keep your body in good form.
Deep tissue massage is excellent for more intense sports injuries since they target the deeper layers of tissue and muscle, not just the superficial layers.
Swedish massages are beneficial for everyone, regardless of whether you’re an athlete or not. If you don’t have an injury or any muscle issues, but want to improve your athletic performance, this massage form will ensure your muscles stay in a good condition.
Massage Therapy at Body Science Therapy
If you’re an athlete and suffer from pains or strains, get in touch with Mississauga’s Body Science Therapy team. We are based in Mississauga, Ontario, and offer various massage therapies for professional and semi-professional athletes.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are currently taking appointments via phone or online. Call us at (647)-370-5374 or get in touch via our website.
