The Most Common massage Debate Isn't as Black and White as You Might Think

Sports Massage Therapy

Sports massage has been utilized as an active recovery for thousands of years now, and anybody that engaging in physical activity for sports, fitness or recreation can benefit from becoming sports massage. The excellent thing about sports massage is that anyone 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 type of treatment called meridian therapy. Fundamentally, meridian therapy involves targeting specific points along energy channels to restore balance within the body.

image

There are many benefits to getting a sports massage besides restoring physical equilibrium. 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 during the day. Sports massage helps circulate lymph fluid which is important to keeping you healthy and free of congestion. If you feel constricted or congestion on your upper body, then it may 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 they don't tear when you move. Some therapists use light hand movements to help loosen up tight muscles.

There are certain muscle groups which are known to be painful after performing a specific motion or engaging in a certain activity. By way of 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 relieve pain. In fact, most common sports related injuries happen as a result of overuse of muscles in the wrong locations.

Using a sports massage, the therapist will typically begin by applying a topical anesthetic or nitrous oxide. The anesthetic numbness causes the muscles to relax, but it doesn't 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 may 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 should be done"just for fun". Although this isn't considered a medical treatment, your therapist is still dealing with your mind/body connection and your emotions. Therefore, you must be aware of what's happening to you through the procedure. If you experience pain, tell your therapist immediately.

In case you have soft tissue repair needs, you might experience muscle stiffness also. This is normal when you first receive your treatment and usually goes away within a day. Your therapist may suggest a day or two of rest following 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 therapy on your injury.

Sports massage therapy isn't for everybody. If you've got active or semi-active muscles, soft tissue repair is not a perfect solution. However, if you suffer from chronic pain, have fractures, or other issues which affect the ligaments, tendons, and other tissues, you should consider it. Even if you are generally healthy, getting a therapeutic sports massage can help reduce the amount of stress in your body, improve circulation, and encourage proper joint mobility. This is a fantastic activity to enhance your health regimen!