All About Sports Recovery Massages

July 15th, 2021

You train, you perform, and you hurt. And while there is some truth to “No pain, no gain,” you shouldn’t have to suffer. That is where sports recovery massage therapy comes into play – a form of massage therapy widely used by athletes of all skill levels in pre-performance, post-performance, during training, or for rehabilitation. Learn more about this beneficial form of therapy and why it could be beneficial to your training regimen…

What is sports recovery massage?

Sports recovery massage is a combination of several different techniques that manipulate the soft tissues of the body that focus on specific muscles affected by training or sports performance. The most common movements and techniques used in sports massage include…

  • Swedish-style massage
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Stroking
  • Kneading
  • Gliding
  • Stretching
  • Percussion
  • Active Release Technique also known as ART

All techniques listed above are used to help athletes achieve maximum performance, prevent injury and pain, and allow for a quicker recovery post-performance.

What are the benefits of sports recovery massage?

The overall purpose of sports recovery massage is to help the muscles relax and relieve tension in the body. Other benefits include…

Improved Circulation: Through increased blood flow, sports recovery massage maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen, thus helping the body to recover and rebuild.

Improved Range of Motion: When athletes train hard, it can lead to muscle rigidity. Sports recovery massage improves flexibility and range of motion that leads to increased power and performance. This allows athletes to work more efficiently and with more intensity to enable the body’s muscle-building response.

Shorter Recovery Time: Training and sports performance can be stressful on the body, and as a result, injury can occur if proper precautions are not taken. Sports recovery massage increases blood circulation facilitates the body’s natural healing process, removes waste, and improves overall health. In addition, swelling, inflammation, and scar tissue build-up associated with sports performance are also reduced, thus resulting in a quicker recovery.

Prevents Over-Training: Sports recovery massage not only has a relaxing effect on the muscles, but it also has a sedative effect on the nervous system. This prevents “over-training syndrome” – when the muscles reach a plateau and stop building.

Prevents & Heals Injury: By stretching connective soft tissue, sports recovery massage improves circulation to prevent or break down adhesions and also excretes certain fluids that are necessary for tissue repair.

Feeling the burn? Driven Fit + SWS can help!

At Driven Fit + SWS, we’re going to make you hurt (a little), but we’re also going to help you recover! Through virtual training or in-person at our South Tampa fitness and wellness studio, we offer intensive fitness programs that focus on body transformation, rejuvenation, and restoration through personal training, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. Call or text (813) 440-3016 to learn more!

 

 

 

 

Categories: Rejuvenation

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