How You Can Hunt Down The Right Sports Massage Therapist
How You Can Hunt Down The Right Sports Massage Therapist
Blog Article
Best Time to Get a Sports Massage
Many endurance athletes have a hard time knowing when the best time to get a sports massage is. Generally speaking, the optimal time is immediately following a long run or intense session with the day after being low load training or a rest day.
Getting regular recurring massages is great to help prevent injuries and allow small niggles to be worked out before they become big problems.
Pre-Event
Sports massage isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, so it should be tailored to each individual athlete and their event or training session. Pre-event massages are typically short, and use quick techniques like effleurage or petrissage to stimulate muscles and prepare them for activity. They also help to reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility, ensuring that the muscles will be ready for the exercise ahead of them.
Athletes should have a regular schedule of massage to keep their muscles flexible and maintain their peak performance. Massage can also be useful for athletes who are recovering from injuries, as it can speed up recovery and improve circulation.
Post-Event
A post-event massage can help to prevent injury and aid recovery. It helps to lengthen muscle fibers that have been contracted during the event, prevent muscle tightness and stimulate feel good hormones. It also assists in the removal of accumulated metabolic waste and reduces muscle soreness and inflammation.
This type of massage is done after a competition or intense workout to prevent Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). It is best not to get a full deep tissue massage immediately after a competition. A shorter massage is recommended using softer techniques like effleurage and petrissage.
Getting a massage at this time will also help to prepare the muscles for another event by maximizing blood flow to the muscle tissues. This will reduce fatigue and allow the body to absorb oxygen and nutrients faster. It will also help to improve the elasticity of the muscles and improve joint movement. This will help the athlete to perform at a higher level and prevent injuries from occurring.
Recovery & De-Load Period
During the recovery and de-load period, the massage should focus on increasing flexibility and range of motion while flushing out lactic acid. Massage can be helpful in preventing DOMS, which is a normal and expected response to intense training. Massage is also a great way to help prevent injury during this time by providing the body with more flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
Sports massage can be a little bit more “ouchy” than regular deep tissue massage, as it utilizes specific techniques to release fascia (the white filmy layer that covers muscles) and other tight areas. Those unused to sports massage may experience some tenderness after the treatment, but it should subside within a day or two and be followed by a feeling of improved range of motion, reduced tension, and increased flexibility. Drinking plenty of water after the massage is a must to ensure your body is properly hydrated for quicker recovery. Some athletes will get a massage 2-3 times per week during this stage of the cycle to maximize the benefits.
Maintenance
In general, you will feel a little tender after a sports massage. This is normal and means that the treatment is working. The tenderness will fade within a day or two as the soft tissues heal and respond to the techniques applied. It is important to drink lots of water after a session as this helps to flush out any waste products from the tissues.
Regular sport massages can help with improving range of motion and reducing injuries. They can also be used to identify any muscle imbalances, which may be causing injury or limiting performance.
The best time to get a sports massage depends on the individual athlete and their goals. If how often should athletes get sports massages you’re training for a specific event then pre-event massage is the way to go. However, it is always worth getting a sports massage post-event as this will aid the recovery and reduce any Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). It’s also worth considering regular maintenance sessions to keep the muscles strong and healthy.