What is sports massage and where did it come from?
A type of massage therapy called sports massage targets areas that have been strained by repetitive or strenuous movement.
A session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. This is ideal for athletes who are undergoing training. The idea of massage as a way to recover is not new.
Massage therapy is a practice that was used in ancient Greece, Egypt, as well as other countries. Gladiators understood the importance of healing from sore muscle. Galen, an Imperial physician, “prescribed massages for gladiators before and after training.”
It developed further in the 1900s, when the first theories and techniques for sports massage were created. In their practical application, massage methods such as effleurage and trigger pointing were also included.
Paavo Nurmi, a 5-time gold medalist in the 1924 Olympics credited sports massage for his success. It was made an official part in Olympic training for athletes many years later.
This type of massage is now well-known to be beneficial not only for athletes but also for anyone who seeks effective and relaxing muscle pain relief.
What are the 3 Types of Sports massage?
Pre-Event Sport Massage
Pre-event massages are done at least four hours before the event. Some people even get it days before the event.
This massage can be used as part of your warm up routine. It relaxes and stimulates your muscles.
Post-Event Massage
Your body needs to recover after competition or training. A post-event massage should be done at least one to two hours after an athletic event. It helps to relax your muscles and prevents cramping. It significantly lowers the DOMS after a workout.
Rehabilitative Sports Massage
Rehabilitative sports massage in Auckland can help you speed up your healing and keep your strength. This massage therapy helps to reduce muscle pain, and speed up recovery from injuries. This reduces the chance of getting another injury.
Who can benefit from a sports massage?
This massage is not for professional athletes. Here’s a list that can benefit all.
A sports massage is a great option if you are:
- Play tennis, soccer or any other impact sport
- Every day, do hard, physical labor
- Treat chronic muscle pain like fibromyalgia
- Rehabilitation from muscular trauma and physical injuries
- After a workout, your muscles will be sore and aching.
What are the Health Benefits of Sports Massage?
- Reduces muscle pains and DOMS
Your muscles can feel sore from repetitive motions in your daily work. Sports massage can reduce DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness, by at least 30%. It reduces swelling and pain in tight muscles.
- It is used to treat sciatica and other chronic pains
Chronic pain is a problem that many people deal with. Chronic pain affects more than 20% Americans every day.
A massage session is a great way to relax if you are included in this statistic. It is effective in relaxing and relieving you of any stress.
- It loosens tight muscles and cramps
Sports massage works by stretching your muscles with each kneading stroke. This allows them to relax and is a great way to get ready for recovery. It lowers the risk of injury after a workout and reduces tension.
- It can increase motion range and flexibility
Numerous studies have shown that regular massage can improve your flexibility and range of motion . Many athletes use it before competitions. It is also beneficial for patients recovering from injuries, as it allows them to regain their mobility.
- It ensures a restful night
According to the American Massage Therapy Association sports massage can help you sleep better at nights. Massage can also reduce stress hormone in the brain. Massage can help you feel calmer and less anxious.
