Sport Massage is not just for athletes!
It can be useful for everybody who is in a physically stressful occupation or environment.
There are three areas of sports massage that may be utilized by runners and other athletes.
Training Sport Massage
An effective training program is based on a regularly scheduled massage. It’s important that your massage therapist has an comprehensive understanding of anatomy and kinesiology, combined with an expert knowledge of which muscles are used in running and which are likely candidates for trouble. The overall objective of a massage maintenance program is to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training. During the training sessions, you will be pushing your muscles to perform better with each day. During the resting portion of your training schedule is the time for the muscles to repair the micro-tears that occurred during the training session. Massage during the training will bring increased blood flow to the muscles for healing.
Pre-Event Sport Massage
Pre-event sport massage is used as a supplement to an athlete’s warm-up to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension prior to competition. It also improves tissue pliability, readying the athlete for top performance.
Post-Event Sport Massage
Post-event sport massage is geared toward reducing the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with vigorous exercise. Many sports massage techniques enhance the body’s own recovery process, improving the athlete’s return to training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.
The key to getting the most from your massage is not to wait until you’re injured or you’ve just finished a hard race or competition, like a marathon or soccer game.
MASSAGE THERAPY SHOULD BE A REGULAR PART OF YOUR TRAINING SCHEDULE. Here are ten great reasons. Regular massage will:
