With a fantastic summer of sports ahead, many of us will be getting involved in more sporting activities than ever. Whether you’re planning to run a marathon or fun run, trying a new sport or just maintaining your usual gym routine, regular sports massage therapy could help you perform better.
What is sports massage?
Sports massage was developed originally to help athletes achieve optimum performance, recover faster after big events and enable them to train more effectively. Treatment is designed to prevent injuries to the tendons and muscles and speed up the healing process.
How does sports massage work?
Sports massage works by improving circulation, increasing flexibility & mobility and relieving muscle tension, helping to prevent injuries and keeping you supple. There is a growing volume of research on it’s effectiveness, particularly in the US. One study showed that a deep tissue sports massage after an intense workout actually causes muscles to enlarge and generate new mitochondria (the cells responsible for converting nutrients into energy). Increasing mitochondria can boost sporting performance by increasing the rate at which muscles can use oxygen. Read more on this study at http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/injuryprevention/a/Sports_Massage.htm.
Who is it for?
Historically, professional and competitive athletes have been the biggest users of sports massage therapy. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy the benefits of sports massage though. As treatment becomes more accessible and affordable, many more recreational athlete, and those of us who lead active lifestyles, are enjoying the benefits.
When should I have sports massage?
The old cliché of prevention being better than a cure is, in this case, true. If you train regularly, include a weekly sports massage in your routine. It will also help you relax and improve well-being. If you do pick up an injury, it’s important to get it treated quickly so the pain is minimised and the time it takes to get back to you training is kept to a minimum.
At Freedom, we have experienced sports massage therapists available in all our clinics. To find out more, call 0844 327 4000 (local rate) now.
