Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage has been utilized as an active recovery for thousands of years now, and anybody that engaging in physical activity either for sports, fitness or recreation can benefit from getting sports massage. The great thing about sports massage is that anyone can get it if they are young or old. It doesn't matter how young or fit you are because it works exactly the same on both. There is a principle behind this type of treatment called meridian therapy. Basically, meridian therapy involves targeting specific points along energy channels to restore equilibrium within the body.
There are many advantages to getting a sports massage besides restoring bodily equilibrium. Among the most notable and approved benefits of sports massage is that it improves lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic fluids drain into your lower extremities to keep you oxygenated, flush out any unwanted waste products, and allow you to move freely throughout the day. Sports massage helps circulate lymph fluid that's key to keeping you healthy and free of congestion. If you feel constricted or congestion in your upper body, then it might be due to a congested lymphatic system.
When you get a sports massage, the therapist will concentrate on the major muscle groups. This includes the shoulders, upper arms, back, hips, and buttocks. Most sports massage includes kneading and rubbing the muscles, stretching the joints, and massaging the fascia, or connective tissues on the surface of the muscles. These tissues provide flexibility and strength to the muscles, but they also cushion the muscles so they don't tear when you move. Some therapists use light hand motions to help loosen up tight muscles.
There are particular muscle groups that are known to be painful after performing a specific motion or engaging in a certain activity. By way of instance, if you were to rub your upper back muscles, then you could likely expect some pain. When a therapist provides a sports massage, he or she concentrates on those muscle groups to release muscle tension and relieve pain. In actuality, most frequent sports related injuries happen as a result of overuse of muscles in the wrong locations.
With a sports massage, the therapist will typically start by applying a topical anesthetic or nitric oxide. The anesthetic numbness causes the muscles to relax, but it does not affect blood flow to the area, so the therapist uses more pressure with each stroke. More pressure is applied, and the muscles are stretched and manipulated more intensely. After the massage, your therapist might apply a cooling pad to minimize swelling and inflammation.
Although this seems like a very simple procedure, this type of massage therapy is not something that should be done"just for fun". Although this isn't considered a medical treatment, your therapist is still coping with your mind/body connection and your own emotions. Therefore, you must know about what is happening to you during the process. If you experience pain, tell your therapist immediately.
In case you have soft tissue repair requirements, you might experience muscle stiffness as well. This is normal when you first receive your therapy and usually goes away within 24 hours. Your therapist may suggest a day or two of rest following your sports massage, based upon your injury and current condition. If you experience minor discomfort or soreness, then ask if there's a possibility of using heat or ice therapy on your injury.
Sports massage therapy is not for everyone. If you have active or semi-active muscles, soft tissue repair is not a perfect solution. However, if you suffer from chronic pain, have fractures, or other issues which affect the ligaments, tendons, and other tissues, you should consider it. Even if you are generally healthy, getting a therapeutic sports massage can help reduce the amount of stress on your body, improve circulation, and encourage proper joint mobility. This is a great activity to enhance your health regimen!