What defines a sports massage and how can it help me

Different people put different pressures on their body due to the activity and life style they engage in. The glorious aspect of massage therapy is there are so many subcategories that are specifically designed to help certain people. Sports massage is specifically designed to provide athletes with relief and the ability to achieve virtuosity in their performance. But don't think a sport massage can't benefit you. A sport massage will provide benefits to anyone that is involved in a sport of some kind, or are experiencing chronic pain and restriction in their joints.

A sport massage is a type of Swedish massage. Sports massages are offered at many day spas and some physical therapist's use it's techniques with certain patients. For people that are engaged in a lot of activity a sports massage is very helpful before, during and/or after the activity. For example is your son plays on a football team a couple times a week with games at the weekend it might be wise to consider signing him up for a sports massage before or/and after his games. A sport massage will help prevent injury, increase blood flow, reduce fatigue and muscle tension leaving the body more able to move efficiently and safely.

The types of sports massage

• Pre-event sports massage. A brief 15-30 minute massage that stimulates blood and focused on the areas of the body that will exert the most energy.
• Post-event sports massages are usually given within an hour of intense activity. This type of massage focuses on the tissues of the body.
• Restorative sports massage is given during training time. This massage provides relief to the muscles on a frequent basis enabling the athlete to increase the intensity of his training.
• Rehabilitation sports massage is focused on improving injuries and restoring optimal mobility and strength.

The type of techniques used will be determined on the athlete's needs as each sport will use and over exert specific muscles. It is important that the massage therapist understands the strain put upon your body due to your specific sport. A sports massage can be pricey but it plays a vital role in maintaining efficiency and in preventing injury. Although each massage has a price tag when injured health bills and times spent recovering far out way the initial price of a massage. Everyone, but especially athletes need to always think about holistic health. They must learn to cultivate a perspective of optimal health in order to advance in optimal performance and a sports massage can be a huge contribution.

If you only participate in sports due to a recurring chronic pain then a couple sessions with a sports massage therapist might renew your muscles and enable you to enjoy sports without any pain. Some of the frequent complaints of sport lovers are:

• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains
• Hamstring sprains
• Groin strains

If you think that a sports massage might benefit you, don't hesitate. Find a local spa or massage therapist that offers sports massage and arrange an appointment. If you have specific injury of complaint be sure to explain it clearly to the therapist.