In my last blog post I outlined why massage should be seen as a treatment, rather than an occasional treat. I used Sports Massage as one example. In this post I will go into more depth.
Sports massage isn’t just for elite sportsmen and women and no, the treatment doesn't have to be painful! It's as much a way of ironing out and keeping niggles at bay, as it is about targeting specific areas that cause pain. My clients range from people who have been hunched over a desk for too long, and have neck or back stiffness, to those who have over-trained whilst preparing for an important race, or carry a specific injury.
Put simply, it can be beneficial to anyone, regardless of athletic ability or exercise participation. So whether you are training for a race, or you visit the gym regularly, enjoy a spot of gardening, or have a desk-based office job, a regular sports massage can help to keep your body feeling great, and keep injuries at bay. And, as we get older, this is something that is of great benefit.
A good Sports Massage treatment will provide:
Increased muscle blood flow
Raised muscle temperature
Increased lymph flow and the removal of toxins from the muscles
Break down of adhesions and scar tissue which builds up over time, causing tension
Relief of muscular pain
Physiological and psychological preparation for a race or event
A positive sense of wellbeing, relaxation and lowered stress levels.
Improved sleep patterns.
Another question I am often asked - usually at the end of the treatment is: "when should I come back?" I would say that a weekly, or bi-weekly treatment, is most effective for producing the greatest health benefits and keeping your body in tip-top condition. I realise that this may not be realistic, for many different reasons, but even a less regular massage treatment (every 4 weeks) will still ensure great results.
When it comes to deciding your optimum treatment schedule, here are a few pointers to bear in mind. The harder you work your body - or in some cases, DON'T work your body - the more you will benefit from a regular schedule of massage treatment. This is because, the more you maintain your body, the less likely it is to break down.
So, if you are very active, think about how hard you train, how hard you push yourself and for how long. If you lead a more sedentary life, think about how long you sit in one position. The key is to be as honest as possible with your therapist, so they can ensure the most effective and targeted session. Oh yes, a final point, don't forget to tell your therapist if you have come directly from a training session, or are planning to go straight to one after the session.
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