Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage has been used as an active healing for thousands of years now, and anyone that engaging in physical activity for sports, fitness or recreation can definitely benefit from getting sports massage. The great thing about sports massage is that anybody can get it if they are young or old. It doesn't matter how fit or young you are because it works the same on both. There is a principle behind this sort of treatment called meridian therapy. Fundamentally, meridian therapy involves targeting specific points along energy channels to restore equilibrium within the body.
There are many benefits to getting a sports massage besides restoring bodily balance. One of the most notable and accepted benefits of sports massage is that it enhances lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic fluids drain to your lower extremities to keep you oxygenated, flush out any unwanted waste products, and help you move freely throughout the day. Sports massage helps circulate lymph fluid that's key to keeping you healthy and free of congestion. If you feel constricted or congestion in your upper body, then it might be due to a congested lymphatic system.
When you get a sports massage, the therapist will concentrate on the major muscle groups. This includes the shoulders, upper arms, back, hips, and buttocks. Most sports massage includes kneading and rubbing the muscles, stretching the joints, and rubbing the fascia, or connective tissues on the surface of the muscles. These tissues provide strength and flexibility to the muscles, but they also cushion the muscles so that they don't tear when you move. Some therapists use light hand motions to help loosen up tight muscles.
There are certain muscle groups which are known to be painful after doing a certain motion or engaging in a specific activity. For instance, if you were to rub your upper back muscles, then you could likely expect some pain. When a therapist provides a sports massage, he or she focuses on those muscle groups to release muscle tension and alleviate pain. In fact, most frequent sports related injuries happen due to overuse of muscles in the wrong locations.
Using a sports massage, the therapist will typically start by applying a topical anesthetic or nitrous oxide. The anesthetic numbness causes the muscles to relax, but it does not affect blood flow to the area, so the therapist uses more pressure with each stroke. More pressure is used, and the muscles are stretched and manipulated more intensely. Following the massage, your therapist might apply a cooling pad to minimize swelling and inflammation.
Although this sounds like a very simple procedure, this sort of massage therapy isn't something that ought to be done"just for fun". Although this is not considered a medical treatment, your therapist is still coping with your mind/body connection and your own emotions. Therefore, you must be aware of what is happening to you through the process. If you experience pain, tell your therapist immediately.
In case you have soft tissue repair requirements, you might experience muscle stiffness also. This is normal when you first get your treatment and usually goes away within 24 hours. Your therapist may suggest a day or two of rest after your sports massage, based upon your injury and present condition. If you experience minor discomfort or soreness, ask whether there is a possibility of using heat or ice treatment on your injury.
Sports massage therapy is not for everyone. If you've got busy or semi-active muscles, soft tissue repair is not a perfect solution. But if you suffer from chronic pain, have fractures, or other issues which affect the ligaments, tendons, and other tissues, you should think about it. Even if you're generally healthy, receiving a therapeutic sports massage can help reduce the amount of stress on your body, improve circulation, and promote proper joint mobility. This is a fantastic activity to add to your health regimen!