Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage has been utilized as an active healing for thousands of years now, and anyone that engaging in physical activity either for sports, fitness or recreation can definitely benefit from getting sports massage. The excellent thing about sports massage is that anyone can get it whether they are young or old. It doesn't matter how young or fit you are because it works exactly the same on both. There is a principle behind this type of treatment called meridian therapy. Basically, meridian therapy involves targeting specific points along energy channels to restore balance inside the body.
There are many benefits to getting a sports massage besides restoring physical balance. Among the most notable and accepted benefits of sports massage is that it improves blood flow. Lymphatic fluids drain into your lower extremities to keep you oxygenated, flush out any unwanted waste products, and allow you to move freely during the day. Sports massage helps circulate lymph fluid which is key to keeping you healthy and free of congestion. If you feel constricted or congestion on 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 rubbing 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 movements to help loosen up tight muscles.
There are certain muscle groups that are known to be painful after performing a certain motion or engaging in a specific activity. For instance, if you were to rub your upper back muscles, then you could likely expect some pain. When a therapist gives a sports massage, then he or she concentrates on these muscle groups to release muscle tension and alleviate pain. In fact, 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 applied, and the muscles are stretched and manipulated more intensely. Following the massage, your therapist may 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 coping with your mind/body connection and your emotions. Therefore, you must know about what's happening to you during the process. If you experience pain, tell your therapist immediately.
In case you've got soft tissue repair needs, you may experience muscle stiffness as well. This is normal when you first receive your therapy and usually goes away within 24 hours. Your therapist may suggest a day or two of rest following your sports massage, depending on your injury and current condition. If you experience minor discomfort or soreness, then ask whether there is a possibility of using heat or ice therapy on your injury.
Sports massage therapy isn't for everyone. In case you have busy or semi-active muscles, soft tissue repair is not a perfect solution. But if you suffer from chronic pain, have fractures, or other issues that affect the ligaments, tendons, and other cells, you should consider 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 enhance your health regimen!