Athletic activities have a long standing history with the fast-paced side of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine might refer to this energy as “yang.” Phrases such as “no pain, no gain” have been tossed around gyms and so-called “motivational” fitness brands for years. Thankfully, our culture seems to be waking up and moving away from the thought patterns that push us to our maximum without proper recovery and rest. The evidence is in the “self care” movement that has spread across social media and news outlets over the last year, or so. If you’re an athlete or you are passionate about working out, “sports massage” must be apart of your vocabulary.

The word “massage” typically sparks mental images of relaxation, serenity, and pampering. It’s easy to associate someone that often receives massage to be a person of affluence, but as massage becomes more accessible and affordable for the masses, that image begins to change. The practice of massage is shifting into more lifestyles and interests than before, one of those is the community of athletes and sports enthusiasts. If the average person benefits from massage for release of tension, it only makes sense that massage can do wonders for athletes, who build more muscle tension in a single workout than most do in a few days.

Sports massage could be the difference in taking your game from good to great.

In recent years, studies have emerged supporting the need for balance in an athlete’s training and wellness schedule. Sports massage is a fantastic way to incorporate self care and recovery into your training regimen. Still not convinced you should give it a try? Here’s a few more ways sports massage can improve your life and your athletic abilities.

1. Reduces stiffness and swelling from delayed onset muscle soreness

Most athletes experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), the medical label for muscle soreness that sets in a few hours post workout and causes achy muscles into the next day (source).

2. Releases tension and improves circulation

Frequently over-worked muscles may eventually lose their ability to relax from lack of blood flow to the muscles. A sports massage from a licensed massage therapist can release tension by increasing blood flow to the muscles (source).

3. Prevents injury

Sports massage can be used as a preventative technique before strenuous athletic events to warm-up the muscles to prevent sports injury. This can improve flexibility and endurance (source).

4. Increases muscle recovery and reduces muscle spasms

Receiving sports massage after an athletic event can increase recovery rates and reduce muscle spasms (source).

5. Psychological benefits

Like traditional massage, sports massage can increase your sense of well-being, improve and deepen sleep, and initiate relaxation (source).

If you have any questions about fitting sports massage into your fitness routine, contact us here or give us a call at (503) 746-6585
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