Sports massage is increasingly recognised as a valuable component of an athlete’s training programme. It can help balance the stress of high training loads with sufficient recovery time, thus supporting sustainable athletic progression.
Besides reducing muscle stiffness, sports massage also boosts circulation. This enhances oxygen delivery to muscles, accelerates recovery and flushes out accumulated metabolic waste products.
Pre-event massage
Pre-event sports massage is a special type of sports massage designed to prepare athletes for physical exertion. This type of massage increases blood flow to the primary muscles, allowing the body to be alert and ready for action. It also relaxes the muscles and reduces tension, thereby decreasing the chance of injury.
The best time to get a pre-event massage is two days before the event. This allows the muscles to recover from the previous exercise and increase the flexibility. Pre-event massage also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease the stress hormone cortisol, and enhances the performance of the muscles by increasing their tone and reducing their tightness.
This technique helps to improve the quality of the workout, ensuring that the athlete performs well at the competition or activity. It can also help to improve the recovery process by lowering levels of inflammation and increasing mitochondrial growth. It can also improve the ability of the muscles to heal microtears that occur during hard exertion.
Post-event massage
After a competitive event, your body will be tired and sore. A post-event sports massage will increase your blood circulation and help to relax tired muscles. It will also reduce pain, improve flexibility and reduce the recovery time for muscle soreness.
This is an excellent way to prepare for a sporting event and will help your muscles to be more flexible and ready to endure intense physical activity. This is why it is important to book a pre-event sports massage session before the big day.
Pre-event massage is usually a combination of light pressure and passive range of motion with the goal to warm up the athlete’s muscles. The massage should be fast and up-tempo to ensure that the athlete leaves feeling prepared for the competition and not lethargic or sleepy. This is a technique taught on the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage. The key to effective sports massage is communication between the therapist and the athlete.
Technology
Sports massage is a powerful tool that enhances recovery and performance in athletes of all levels. It helps loosen tight muscles and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. It also improves flexibility and prevents injuries by breaking down scar tissue.
Moreover, it can improve an athlete’s mental well-being, decreasing anxiety and stress levels. This allows them to focus better how sports massage targets muscle knots on training and competitions.
Finally, it reduces the risk of injury by loosening tight muscle fibers and promoting circulation. It also helps athletes achieve a quicker recovery by stimulating the immune system.
As a result, more and more athletes are incorporating sports massage into their routines. The use of technology in massage therapy has revolutionized the industry, making it more accessible for clients. Mobile apps allow clients to book sessions and view real-time availability. Wearable devices collect biometric data and help therapists analyze the results of their work. The integration of VR is another exciting development, allowing therapists to combine tactile alongside visual stimulation.
