What is Sports Massage Therapy?

What is Sports Massage Therapy?

Are you slowing down in the gym because of muscle soreness? A massage may help you recover from discomfort. 

 

Imagine a trained professional using various hand movements to manipulate muscle groups and release tension. The constant tapping on the affected areas can improve blood circulation. As a result, you can feel a sense of rejuvenation in your body. 

 

Yes, that's usually what a sports massage does. It targets specific areas affected by intense physical activity, exercise, or sports-related injuries. 

 

The massage therapist identifies the area and applies deep pressure or uses stretching to trigger the muscle tissues. By doing so, they gradually loosen up the tight knots in the areas. As a result, it can enable you to perform your favorite physical activity effortlessly. 

 

Sports tissue massage therapy is a conscious effort to combine therapeutic movements into a fitness regimen. That way, you can improve your quality of life without any other substance. 

 

In this blog, we will explore what sports therapy massage therapy is and its types. Additionally, you will learn about its benefits, potential side effects, and the timing for the therapy. 

 

Let's learn about sports massage therapy to enhance athletic performance and aid injury recovery. 

 

What is sports massage therapy? 

Easing muscle tension and offering relaxation is the goal of every massage therapy. But what is sports massage therapy? It is a holistic approach that supports movement, performance, and recovery. 

 

Sports massage therapy helps address muscle tightness, soreness, and imbalances that may arise from repetitive movements. For instance, a professional runner would engage his hip flexors, calves, and hamstrings to perform the activity. 

 

Repeatedly doing so may cause soreness or imbalance in these areas. 

 

In sports massage, the therapist or masseuse focuses on the lower body to improve flexibility. 

 

As the individual feels more flexible in moving the muscle groups, they will be able to run and perform better. 

 

Different types of sports massage 

A sports therapy massage can help an athlete or a fitness enthusiast achieve physical conditioning or maximum performance. Depending on an individual's needs, the masseuse uses different types of sports massage and targets specific muscle groups. 

 

The following are the types of sports massages: 

  • Pre-event massage: Before running a marathon, do some stretching to warm up your muscles. A pre-event massage is just the right sports body massage for that purpose. It focuses on increasing blood flow through various hand movements, thus preparing you for the long run. 

 

  • Post-event massage: After a strenuous workout session at the gym or perhaps a marathon, you can seek a post-event sports massage. With such a massage, the therapist will ensure the elimination of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. Upon removal of such toxic substances, your body can heal from muscle soreness. And that results in recovery. 

 

  • Maintenance massage: It is the best sport massage between sports competitions or training sessions. As the name suggests, the massage helps maintain your physical well-being. It aims to nurture muscle health, prevent injuries, and address muscle imbalances. 

 

  • Rehabilitative massage: It is a type of sports massage that aims to treat specific injuries or chronic pain conditions. For instance, if you regularly engage in strenuous workouts, you may sustain joint injuries. And rehabilitative massage will help you recover from the injury. 

 

Techniques of Sports Massage 

Sports massage is far beyond rubbing and kneading, which is often associated with regular massage. Usually, these techniques are helpful for individuals who seek relaxation or ease muscle tension after mild activities, such as taking a stroll in the park. 

 

Sport massage techniques address the unique athletic needs of active individuals. Each technique works on different layers of tissue to improve blood circulation, relieve tension, and enhance muscle recovery. 

 

The following are the common techniques of sport massage therapy: 

  • Deep tissue massage: A popular massage technique used in sports massage. It involves slow, sustained pressure to reach the deeper layers of connective tissue and muscle groups. With a deep tissue massage, therapists break adhesions and manage chronic muscle tightness that can develop during physical activity. 

 

  • Tapotement: The technique involves rhythmic tapping or chopping motion to increase circulation and relax muscle groups. With such motion, the brain stimulates the "feel-good" neurotransmitters, which help calm the muscles. Therapists use the technique before or after an activity to promote total relaxation. 

 

  • Trigger point therapy: The masseuse will apply direct pressure to the muscle knots. These are the tight sensitive areas in the muscles that cause discomfort or radiate pain to other parts of the body. When you experience persistent muscle tightness or repetitive muscle injuries, the technique can be very helpful. 

 

  • Vibration therapy: Just as with tapotement, it stimulates the nervous system and helps it relax. The massage therapist can either use massage guns or their hands to create vibration. As vibration reaches the muscle groups, it reduces muscle soreness and improves flexibility. 

 

Benefits of sports massage 

Sometimes, a gym-goer or an athlete needs massage therapy to maintain their physical health. Using kneading, tapping, and deep strokes, the therapist manipulates the muscle groups and provides flexibility. That is one of the core sports massage benefits. It also has other benefits, which are as follows: 

 

  • The therapy uses deep pressure on targeted muscle groups and tissue to increase blood flow. As a result, it helps reduce muscle soreness and improves your range of motion and coordination. 

 

  • With the help of sports massage therapy, you can analyze the muscle tension that may lead to injury. When the therapist releases tension from muscle groups, it will improve your flexibility and reduce the risk of strains and sports-related injuries. 

 

  • Sports massage can effectively reduce your pain when you experience acute muscle soreness or chronic pain from intense physical activity. 

 

  • An intense workout causes a buildup of metabolic waste products in the muscles. To flush out the metabolic waste, sports massage is quite helpful. It reduces fatigue and muscle soreness, helping you recover more quickly between competitions and workouts. 

 

What are the Side Effects of Sports Massage? 

Sports massage is the best massage for athletes targeting certain specific issues. Any form of physical activity involves continuous straining of muscle groups. And that impacts the quality of the athlete's performance. To help them gain optimal performance, sports therapy targets the muscle groups and releases tension. 

 

However, massage therapy can cause certain side effects. It is essential to understand these side effects to ensure you're on the right path. 

 

  • Acute injuries: Frequent workouts and outdoor sports can often lead to injuries. If you suffer from any acute injury like a sprain or fracture, you should reconsider getting sports therapy. 

 

  • Skin infections or open wounds: Usually, when a massage therapist performs sports massage, they use massage oils on the targeted areas. People with skin infections may be allergic to the oil, which can lead to certain skin conditions. Likewise, the oils can reach the open wounds and react with the skin. 

 

  • Certain medical conditions: Sports massage therapy uses deep pressure, which can increase the risk of dislodging blood clots. As a result, the massage could pose a threat to people with cancer and heart disease. 

 

Before getting a sports therapy massage, let the therapist know about your existing conditions. Transparent communication will allow them to tailor the techniques. Also, it will help you understand which massage techniques work for you and which do not.

 

When To Get A Sports Massage? 

There are several reasons people get a sports massage. And when you should get a sports massage will depend on such reasons. For instance, professional athletes require sports massage therapy to keep their bodies in top condition and to help prevent injuries. Additionally, it helps reduce the delayed-onset muscle soreness. Other conditions for getting a sports massage include: 

 

  • Injury and recovery 

 

  • Limited range of motions 

 

  • Musculoskeletal conditions 

 

  • Stress and anxiety 

 

How Often Should You Have a Sports Massage?  

Individuals with the conditions mentioned above should receive a sports massage every 1-4 weeks. However, that depends on the severity of your condition. Some experts also suggest making weekly appointments. But busy lives can get in the way; hence, having at least two sessions per month can enhance your overall well-being. 

 

Sports Massage: What to expect? 

As someone new to the concept of sports massage, you may have specific questions, like: 

 

  • What is sports massage therapy? 

 

  • What are its benefits? 

 

  • What to expect from sports massage therapy? 

 

By now, you are aware of the massage and its benefits. It is therefore time to understand the expectations you will have from the sports massage. 

 

  • Initially, the massage therapist will discuss the details of your athletic activities. They will also explore the goals that you're seeking from the message. 

 

  • Moreover, the massage will provide you with support for any sports-related injuries. The therapist will use various gliding, kneading, and circular movements to stimulate blood circulation and ease muscle tension. 

 

  • In specific areas, the therapist can also use massage guns to stimulate the muscle groups to provide maximum relaxation. 

 

  • The continuous pressure on the muscles can cause mild soreness afterward. To reduce the impact, drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. 

 

Sports massage vs. deep tissue massage 

Many people confuse sports massages and deep tissue massages. Sports massage indeed uses deep tissue massage techniques, but the intent of the two massages is quite different. 

 

These techniques include slow, firm pressure, and deep strokes. Using such movements, the therapist ensures the release of muscle tension. 

 

Let's understand deep tissue massage vs. sports massage, depending on the body areas and purposes. 

 

  • Body Areas: Deep tissue massage targets the entire body to relieve musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and common muscle stiffness. On the other hand, sports massage targets specific body parts to support injury prevention and recovery, as well as improve flexibility. By doing so, the massage helps athletes and fitness enthusiasts to enhance their physical activities. 

 

  • Techniques: Deep tissue massage breaks up muscle knots, releasing tension and improving mobility. But they are not tailored to any specific movement pattern. Sports massage, however, uses deep-tissue techniques combined with vibration, trigger-point therapy, and tapotement to offer a tailored approach to accelerate muscle recovery. 

 

  • Best for: Deep tissue massage is ideal for chronic pain management and general muscle relief. But for targeted sports-related strain or event preparation, sports massage will be a better approach. 

 

Are sports massages worth it? 

To improve flexibility before a sports event or workout session, stretching and deep strokes can be helpful, which is the core of sports massage. 

 

Moreover, sports massages can help with recovery from sports-related injuries, which are common among athletes and seasoned gym-goers. 

 

Through a range of hand movements and massage techniques, the therapist targets specific body areas and aims to release tension. As a result, the muscle groups promote flexibility, which improves your physical performance. 

 

As an athlete or someone who practices regular workouts, sports massages are worth promoting recovery and improving muscle flexion.

 

Enhance Your Optimal Physical Performance with On the Side Day Spa 

Now that you know what sports therapy massage is, it's time to incorporate it into your fitness routine. 

 

Such a holistic approach will target the specific body areas that become sore after a strenuous workout. 

 

Using techniques like deep tissue, vibration, tapotement, and trigger point therapy, the therapist will manipulate the muscle groups and release tension. As a result, it will improve your flexibility and mobility, enabling you to perform better. 

 

At On the Side Day Spa, we offer sports massage therapies and a variety of other holistic massage therapies. These include deep-tissue, hot-stone, and relaxation massages. 

 

The professional masseuse at our premises will discuss your concerns and suggest the massage or service best suited to you. 

 

Check out our range of services and embrace relaxation at its best! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is sports and remedial massage therapy? 

Sports and remedial massage therapy apply to both athletes and non-athletes. Such massage therapy involves manipulation of soft tissues to prevent injury, relieve pain, and improve performance. Additionally, sports and remedial massage address postural problems, musculoskeletal issues, and muscle tension. 

 

  • What is the goal of sports massage therapy? 

Sports massage therapy has three main goals. These are preventing injuries, supporting recovery from intense physical activity or injury, and improving overall performance. The therapy can achieve these goals, increasing blood circulation, eliminating muscle soreness, and reducing muscle tension. 

 

  • How long does a sports massage therapy take? 

A typical sports massage lasts 30 to 90 minutes, with 60 minutes as the standard. The shorter sessions, for instance, 30 to 60 minutes, are suitable for one or two specific areas. On the other hand, longer sessions (over 60 minutes) are ideal for complex issues and full-body treatment. 

 

  • Who can get a sports massage therapy? 

People who follow a regular fitness regimen can benefit from sports massage therapy. Also, the therapy is helpful for people who suffer from chronic pain. 

 

  • What does a sports massage cost?  

The cost of sports massage depends on the timing of the session. For instance, a 60-minute massage can cost around $140, and a 90-minute sports massage can cost around $190. 

Back to blog

Recent Posts