No doubt that if you have been an avid gym goer for a while now that you have heard of a sports massage and the potential benefits of getting one. In this article I will talk you through the proven benefits of getting a sports massage, the difference between a deep tissue massage and sports massage and also how to tell when you need one.
First let's talk about the difference between a deep tissue massage and a sports one. A deep tissue massage you are probably more familiar with, if you have ever been to a spa or a health club you are most likely to see this kind of massage being offered. They are actually perfectly named; the masseuse looks to apply enough pressure to hit the deeper muscle tissue layers within the body. The pressure applied is still enough to help release any small knots or tension that may have formed, but isn’t as specialist as a sports massage. A sports massage is used to either prevent a sports injury or improve an current one. Before a sports massage you will most likely be asked if you have any previous or current injuries that need attention. The masseuse will also ask you to do some mobility work to see if there any tight areas. Is important to figure out where the damaged muscle tissue lies, as there is a fine line between helping the tissue repair and further injuring it.
Now you know the difference, let's talk about some of the proven benefits of getting a sports massage;
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Better flexibility and mobility – We all that training makes the muscles tighter, thus stopping them from stretching fully. Instead, they remain in a tight state. A sports massage softens the tissue which results in better flexibility and can also correct imbalances due to some muscles being tighter than others.
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Increased blood flow and nutrient delivery - When you train for an extensive amount of time, as discussed above, the muscles are tight. This can actually restrict the movement of blood and nutrient delivery. Improved circulation will come when the muscles are more relaxed. Better blood flow and nutrient delivery will result in improved recovery, something that we should all want!
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Removes metabolic waste – As with above, the improved blood flow rids waste from the muscles, which again improves recovery
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Decreased pain – Pressure can build up in tight muscles, resulting in minor aches and pains. Getting a sports massage will actually relieve this pain. This is also helped by the release of endorphins.
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Makes delayed onset muscle soreness less sore! – With improved lymph and blood flow comes better recovery! Do you see a trend yet with recovery?
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Increases relaxation and boosts mood – This is primarily done through the release of endorphins
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Performance increase - All the above equate to having a better performance in the gym or sport you compete in. With more oxygen, blood and nutrients flowing to your muscles, as well as being more free and mobile, your muscles can perform better.
Now you know the benefits, how do you know when you actually need one? Well, here as some things to look out for;
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You haven’t had one for months or years. Massages are better had monthly to keep everything optimal
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You have a pain somewhere in your body
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You are getting headaches. Tight muscles around the shoulders, upper back and neck can result in this
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You don’t have a full range of motion in some muscles
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You don’t sleep very well
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You are stressed out
So to summarize : Sports massages improve blood flow and nutrient delivery, increase flexibility, help manage stress and decrease aches and pains, which all result in better performance!
It can be something that is often overlooked, but recovery is everything. If you are serious about your training, you should definitely look into having a sports massage.
