Why should athletes get a massage?
Isn’t massage just for special occasions?
What kind of results can I expect from a massage?
INCREASE FLEXIBILITY AND RANGE OF MOTION
On an average day, we are a sedentary society. We stream a lot of shows and play a lot of video games – not just on the TV, but on our phones now too. Our muscles tend to have a lot of down time. It is important to keep our muscles toned and stretched, especially when we are going to be exercising. A great way to achieve this is with regular massage. This will help stimulate your body’s natural ability to provide lubrication which keeps your joints and muscles more flexible and increases your range of motion. Massage also warms and stretches the muscles. All of this will enhance your overall athletic performance.
PREVENT INJURY AND MAKE YOUR WORKOUT EASIER
When your muscles are loose, they are less likely to be injured. Pre- and post-performance massage will help to achieve this. For your greatest result without feeling extra strain or restriction on the muscles, massage warms up the muscles before your game, match or workout. It helps to heal your muscles after so you are ready for the next day.
REDUCE MUSCLES SORENESS AND HELP MUSCLES HEAL FASTER
No pain, no gain? Not true! Massage after a workout or strenuous activity reduces the pain and soreness in your muscles. It reduces the buildup of lactic acid which is what causes your muscles to feel fatigued and sore after prolonged use. Massage also flushes other toxins and dead cells from your muscles to clean them out and help to restore them. This is why a massage therapist will always tell you to drink water after a massage – to help you rinse the toxins out of your body. Massage also helps your blood circulation which improves your overall healing and well-being.
BETTER, DEEPER SLEEP
Massage will help you relax! This could be a huge benefit if you are worried about that big game! Massage works to release endorphins – a chemical that helps to relax muscles and dull pain in the body. It also reduces anxiety, stress and helps you get a deeper, more relaxed sleep. This is very important to your physical and mental health before the big game.
You can watch what Emily, one of our massage therapists, has to say about this subject here.
To learn more you can read about massage therapy here.
Call or request an appointment to today to perform your best this season!