Massage therapy has changed from being seen as a luxury to being a helpful, if not essential, component of treating illnesses everywhere, from the hospital to the athletic training facility. There was inconclusive evidence that massage actually helped athletes until the previous ten years. However, the advantages of massage are now being considered seriously as a result of recent studies and some support from reliable sources. And not just professionals can enjoy those advantages. Anyone who engages in a regular exercise program is eligible for them.

Massage therapy has changed from being seen as a luxury to being a helpful, if not essential, component of treating illnesses everywhere from the hospital to the athletic training facility. There was inconclusive evidence that massage actually helped athletes until the previous ten years. However, the advantages of massage are now being considered seriously as a result of recent studies and some support from reliable sources. And not just professionals can enjoy those advantages. Anyone who engages in a regular exercise program is eligible for them.

Biological Impact

Perhaps you are unaware, but massage has an impact on the cardiovascular system. Blood vessels expand, as a result, making them more effective at promoting circulation. The physical support of promoting venous blood flow back to the heart improves blood flow, which increases the delivery of new oxygen and nutrients to the tissue and encourages the removal of wastes and toxins. Your heart rate decreases as a result of the relaxation you experience during and after the massage.

The advantages of massage for the muscular system are better recognized and expected. One of them has a specific connection to the advantages of the heart. Blood flow is improved and increased, which relieves muscle tension, lessens discomfort, and speeds up recovery. Then, according to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, the relaxed muscles can experience “an increase in range of motion and flexibility.” Better athletic performance may result from one of those advantages. In summary, massage can relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and promote healing. Massage not only feels wonderful on the muscles, but it also benefits them.

Psychiatric Consequences

According to the sports massage study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, athleticism, especially the kind needed for competitive sports, depends on more than just physical strength. Performance can also be impacted by tactical cycling maneuvers or the capacity for concentration (in sports like gymnastics or golf, for example). Therefore, the psychological impact of a massage on an athlete may be significant in a not physiological way. These advantages include lowering anxiety, stress, and tension while encouraging relaxation by turning on your parasympathetic nervous system. As a result, levels of dopamine and serotonin rise while cortisol levels fall, which are closely related to stress. Prior to participating in any activity, group exercise session, or competition, it is beneficial to be in a relaxed, low-tension state since it promotes focus.

You’ll get more from a deep tissue or sports massage as an athlete or exerciser than y will from a spa massage that is soft, pleasant, and smells nice. These massages might not, however, always be comfortable.

Depending on the activity you play, a sports massage frequently entails a quick massage, stretching, and other techniques. It can be customized to be used as a pre-workout stretch and a chance to warm up the muscles or as a post-workout massage to lessen pain and promote flexibility.

Massage therapists frequently advise getting a deep-tissue massage since it targets specific problems you might have by exerting more pressure on deeper layers of muscles and other deep tissues. Expecting to be comfortable throughout this massage is unrealistic and intended to release any tension and knots the muscles may retain. However, be ready. Both types of massage might make you feel sore since they focus on the aches and pains of the soft tissues.

When To Book A Massage

You should plan pre-event (such as a strenuous workout or a long run) or pre-race massages around three to five days before the actual event, keeping in mind that you might leave a massage feeling as sore as you would after a rigorous workout. In fact, arrange it on a rest day if you can.

The same general rule applies to post-event or post-race massages: wait three to five days to allow any remaining stiffness to disappear. Within 72 hours following the event, post-event massage sessions may continue, according to Simon.

The lighter, spa-style post-race massages, which can be booked for the following day or are offered in the tent at the finish line, are different. If at all feasible, take advantage of those lighter massages, which will only promote blood flow and aid in relaxation.

Both professionals and amateurs who want to increase their performance and conditioning, heal more quickly, and sustain fewer or no injuries should look into joining a regular massage program. The program may need some financial readjusting to keep it inside your budget, but it appears to be worth the effort. Water is also a must, remember! No matter what kind of massage you get or when you get it, according to Craig Simon, you should consume half an ounce of water for every pound you weigh that day. He said that even if you aren’t competing, you should still use this formula.

Always look for a licensed massage therapist with “LMT” after their name and license number posted on any advertising or informational materials. Asking individuals who take part in your sport or hobby is the greatest approach to locating a licensed therapist. Typically, recommendations from trusted sources are solid references.

Massages can be crucial in your training toolbox when used as preventative maintenance, pain relief, or recovery aid. Additionally, they provide relaxation and improved physical and mental well-being, which even non-athletes can take advantage of.