Sports massage therapy has been around for quite a while and has was a must for professional athletes. England football fans will recall the emergency treatment required by players throughout the 2018 World Cup semi-final. There, during a tense break at extra time, physical therapists were seeking to reduce the damage to muscles. England did not win that semi-final however the significant benefits of sport massages remain.
Presently, sports Massage Therapy is now more sought-after than ever before, particularly among people who are not professionals.
However, why are sportsmen and women so obsessed with Sports Massages? The answer issimple: because they are effective. Here are 11 reasons a Sports Massage can change your life in just 30 minutes.
1. It is a well-tested remedy for muscle soreness, injury and prevention
Many people and women feel sore after a workout. This muscle soreness generally begins as a dull pain that starts a few hours after exercising and persists for several days. It is referred to as delayed onset muscles soreness (DOMS). The primary cause of DOMS is thought to be an eccentric contraction where the muscle lengthens when it contracts. This includes exercises like going downhill in a race, or lifting weights, or lowering into the squat or push-up. Lower body movements, in particular, tends to generate more soreness than upper body exercises.
This discomfort usually shows up around six-to-eight hours after exercise. It can peak anywhere from one to two days following an exercise then diminishing in the following 72 hours.
One Australian study looked at two different groups of men and women in order to determine if sports massage therapy was efficient. A “control” group who did not receive sports massage therapy, as opposed to a group who did. Both groups carried out “eccentric exercises” to encourage DOMS. Three hours later, participants from the second group were given an hour-long massage. The study, which was that was published in Journal of Athletic Training, found muscle soreness was “significantly lower” for the sports massage group.
The conclusion: massage therapy has helped ease discomfort and soreness by more than 30 per cent.
Similarly, this study from the Journal of Sports Sciences concluded that a 30 minute massage was a huge help for bodybuilders following exercise. In addition to helping bodybuilders show a faster recovery, it also improved their performance during subsequent workouts as they recovered faster following their workouts.
This study, which was published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that massage therapy was beneficial to the healing process of soft tissues. The techniques increased the healing capabilities of cells known as fibroblasts within massaged muscles, which speeded up the healing process for the soft tissues that were injured. (Fibroblasts are a type of cell in the body which play a crucial role in healing connective tissue.)
2. The way that sports massage therapists employ particular techniques specifically designed for sports massage therapy
It is often asked the question: What is a sporting massage?
The sport massage is a new and refined form in massage therapy. Because of this, it incorporates many techniques similar to those found in other massage styles, and many more. It is a similar technique to effleurage and petrissage, which most people would know (even if they are unfamiliar about the concepts) For instance, circular stroking motions, and squeezes that are made using the palm of your hand.
This could be the place where the similarities stop. Here are the details that make massage therapy for sports truly special:
Different from other forms or types of massages, sports massage is a form of what’s known as’myofasical’. This technique can be used to detect pain in the body –more specifically, pain could be radiating from an exact location in the muscle affected.
Myofasical releases are among many neuromuscular techniques used by sports massage therapists to help recover. To allow neuromuscular practices (sometimes referred to as “neuromuscular treatment”) to aid in healing from chronic and acute pain syndromes, certain methods are needed. They include stretching and flexing the muscles affected, as well as home self-treatment. In contrast to regular massages, sports treatment for massage requires “homework” -and commitment in order for the full benefits to be realized, which includes regular stretching exercises and the use of foam rollers.
The effects of myofascial release are felt deep in the muscles. The result is less pressure on joints, as well as the reduction of discomfort in the affected area. A sports massage, unlike other massages, not only treat muscles, but also the rest of the soft tissues, such as the ligaments, tendons, and fascia. (The fascia is an incredibly thin layer of fibrous tissue which surrounds the muscle.) It directly reaches the source of overworked muscles as a result from strenuous training, sports.
3. Sports massage is different from. deep tissue: What can a sports massage be more specific than the deep tissue massage in the treatment of sport-related injuries
It’s not uncommon for people to wonder what the difference is between massage therapy and a Deep Tissue Massage.
As mentioned above there are commonalities across all massage treatments that could cause confusion.
The key is in the title A deep tissue massage is focused on the layers of tissue over the muscle, but not specifically on the muscle itself. This type of pressure is fantastic to release any newly formed knots, or to get rid of “new” tension that has developed in an region. For “newer” and minor, pains and aches, deep massages of the tissues are at their most efficient.
Sports massage therapy is effective at treating aches knots, pains and knots that accumulate over time. These pains are often “older” and more intense than those that deep tissue massage addresses.
Sports massage as well as deep tissue massage have similar methods and objectives, however, the therapy for sports is considered to be “long in the long run”. A deep tissue massage is excellent in helping to recover and treating aches and pains in the body, such as low back pain or repetitive strain injuries, however for constant injuries and soreness that result from vigorous workouts or an extremely physical lifestyle make many prefer the sports massage.
Sports Massage Pricing
4. Therapists for sports massage are expected to be especially knowledgeable about their anatomy body to allow a sports massage to function.
The most frequent concern is what does the job of a massage therapist?
The distinctive elements that distinguish different massage techniques have been discussed previously. It is a refined form of massage. It is designed with the sole purpose of improving athletic performance as well as increasing recovery speed (as well as reducing the chance of sustaining injuries).
Massage therapists for sports are there to utilize the methods unique to the sports massage. It requires special knowledge that masseuses or masseuses may not have.
The effectiveness of massages in sports is due to the fact that the therapists who perform them are required to have an knowledge about the structure of our body.
An understanding of the body is crucial to assist in the detection of anomalies and problems that could lead to injury if they are not addressed. Handling muscles is also a nitty-gritty practice.
There is an important distinction between treating a problem and making it worse. This is why such a high-level of knowledge of anatomy is necessary.
5. A sports massage has “different strokes” which utilize the “healing power of touch”
One of the most frequently addressed is about what difference is between a deep tissue massage and a sports massage. It’s not as common for a massage that is a sport to be compared to a Swedish massage, however, in actuality the sports massage is probably more similar to a Swedish massage than deep tissue.
Sports massages are a part of the techniques of the Swedish massage.
Based on Harvard Medical School, the Swedish massage is a sequence of gliding, long strokes that soothe muscles, relax connective tissue, and boost circulation. The Swedish massage has been classified as “ideal for people who are just beginning their journey and looking for a simple, soothing massage”.
The sports massage employs several of these same glide strokes, but with an emphasis on healing, healing from injuries caused by sports and.
What is included in the sports massage will be a modification to the relaxing strokes of the Swedish massage to provide an individualized treatment.
The reason why a sports massage is frequently compared to a deep tissue massage but not the Swedish massage — may be due to the fact that both deep tissue massage as well as the sports massages are usually linked to “good pain” or a slight discomfort. This is due to the fact that in order for a sport massage to be effective more effectively, a larger movement range is usually necessary.
6. A massage prior to or after a workout has notable benefits on performance
It is common for sports enthusiasts or athletes to have the “pre-event” massage. They are, in essence, warm up massages that can be as short as 15 minutes to nearly an hour. They’re usually targeted to body parts that will be worked out. Some pre-event sports massages are administered within two hours of the event.
The benefits of the massage prior to the event do not need to occur prior to the event or during the actual event. It can be a helpful “warm up” as early as seven days prior to the exertion.
In a pre-event massage, the techniques are decreased to help increase joint mobility and allow for the stretching of the soft tissues. It is designed to aid relaxation and focus and, it is closer to the Swedish massage.
This is also the place where the distinctions in the massage for deep tissues and the sports massage are distinct: a deeply tissue massage isn’t recommended prior to a workout because the forceful pressures that are applied to muscle tissue force the body into a recovery mode, and not in an active state.
Pre-event massages are often accompanied by post-event sports massages. Veteran athletes can begin these sessions after a few hours. Much like their pre-event counterparts an effective recovery-focused massage could still work wonders for recovery days following an event.
7. Massage therapy for maintenance and therapy during exercises
In the flimsy 2018. World Cup semi-final, after an entire 90 minutes of game and prior to the addition of additional time was up in the final, the England team coaching staff scrambled to apply sports massage on their players. In the course of an exercise such as this, the form of massage therapy is typically described as maintenance massage.
Maintenance massage is a confusing term that has, two meanings. Runner’s World identifies the maintenance massage as a form of treatment to reduce muscle tightness during a performance. It is dependent on the conditions that are present. can last anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour, usually during the exercise process of preparing for an race, like the marathon.
But the phrase “maintenance massage” can also be used to describe regular massage sessions for athletes. When referred to in this manner the message of maintenance may typically be more lengthy than their preor post-sports massage counterparts. They use more powerful strokes that work to eliminate the tension. They also place more emphasis placed on trigger points, where the tension may be radiating out from the muscle. They they are usually recommended at least once per week for maximum efficiency.
In order to avoid confusion, it might be beneficial to use an Runner’s World definition as pit stop maintenance. This will create a vivid and sharp image, such as the England team’s rush to recover before the added time.
8. A sports massage can provide immense health and therapeutic benefits
Massages for sports have the added bonus of having the therapeutic components that other forms of massage are renowned for. It assists with injury prevention and healing, as well as in the overall health of the participant. It alleviates the effects of anxiety and stress.
One study even showed that even a small amount of massage led to positive changes in hemodynamics within the body, such as lower blood pressure and a diminished heart rate.
For tackling stress, a massage can be effective since it promotes the release of certain neurotransmitters known as endorphins that are released from the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. These endorphins are your body’s natural pain reliever.
Massage therapy, even as a stand-alone therapy, can aid those suffering from musculoskeletal issues by relieving pain and improving the function.
9. The sports massage removes toxins from the body and increases blood flow and lymphatic circulation.
Massage therapy works to realign the muscles and connective tissue. However, the techniques employed aid in flushing out toxins through the process. Two ways that these techniques for neuromuscular therapy work their magic, and that is by creating pressure and promoting circulation throughout the body.
By applying a technical, mechanical, pressure to the connective muscles and tissues. Toxins can accumulate in joints. In time, if left untreated these toxins may build up which can cause more serious injuries and more frequently. These toxins are “flushed” when stimulated by applying a technical, mechanical pressure to connective tissue and muscles.
The pressure generated by the mechanical system also assists in improving body circulation. This will ensure a sufficient circulation of blood to every tissue, but also an effective “venous return”. The vein return is the return of blood back to the heart. It is this return that is necessary for the removal of toxins.
It is this venous supply that is also the reason for recovery. DOMS that is caused by regular or over-exercised exercise is due to lactic acid and lactic acid reduces blood and oxygen in contracting muscles, causing pain and muscle weakness. But massages for sports help to replenish blood flow to the muscles.
The techniques for compression used in sports massage therapy also help in stimulating the lymphatic system. One study discovered an effect that “direct mechanical pressure” on a localised region of the body improved “local micro-circulatory blood flow and lymph flow outcomes”.
A boosted lymph flow means more lymphatic drainage. A lymphatic system that is more active not only works to improve healing time, but also help prevent conditions like lymphedema or oedema.
10. Massage therapy encompasses wisdom passed down from the ancients
Massage has been utilized by health professionals to treat injuries and illnesses for hundreds of years. The first evidence of this was in Ancient China around 3000 – 2500 BC.
Massage therapy arose independently in the ancient kingdoms of Egypt, India, and Japan in one form or another. Some elements of Egyptian massage, the reflexology technique, spread into Europe, and are still employed to this day.
The word “massage” is originated from the Greek word that means “to work with the hands for example, kneading dough”. Massage treatments has been practiced since Ancient Greece probably originated at about 800 BC. The fifth century BC Hippocrates, the first physician to develop modern medicine recommended “friction” and the benefits of massaging the body as a means to treat physical injuries.
11. Massage therapy for sports was born from a colossal achievement
Massage therapy is not new. However, the technique and the refinement of massage therapy for sports is only an era.
Massage therapy for sports was quietly developed in Finland in the early twentieth century. It was the result of the Swedish massage system, in the Finnish School of Massage.
in 1924 Paavo Nurmi was the “Flying Finn” was awarded 5 gold medals in the Paris Olympics — which included the 5,000m event less than two hours after a 1,500m event and setting world record times. Nurmi’s dominance has yet to be surpassed. What has made the world sit up and pay attention to sports massage therapy was Nurmi’s introduction of this early Finnish practice of sports massage within his training regimen.
When World War Two Jack Meagher, one of the “father of American massage therapy” worked in the US army as a medic. He first came across the methods of massage therapy when an German POW handed him a massage.
Meagher was unable to believe the “astounding” improvements in his athleticism. He would later create the term “sports massage” and came up with his own method known as the Meagher Method.
Meagher Method Meagher Method is a series of soft tissue techniques and applications that were designed and based on Meagher’s knowledge of muscular kineticsas well as his understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.
You feel sore after massage? Good. Do you feel sore after working out? Consider asking yourself: is there any place I can get an exercise massage close to me?
The practice of sports massage has never been more popular among professionals enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals alike. The long-running and prolific results are a testament to its efficacy.
The pain and discomfort that comes with DOMS is the result of the micro trauma that occurs to the muscles and the surrounding connective tissues following a workout and can result in inflammation. The treatment and prevention of DOMS is one of the primary functions of massage therapy for athletes.
The sport massage therapy is identified as the “targeted therapeutic treatment for the particular biomechanical and physical requirements of athletes” But that doesn’t mean sports massage is just for athletes or sport enthusiasts only.
In fact, as has been proven that sports massage therapy is an excellent source of other benefits that non-sport enthusiasts might like. These could include those who aren’t so active and are still carrying the knots and aches of an active and active past as well as those who run regularly, or those who are curious.
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