Top 5 things to know before getting a sports medicine massage

Massage has been here for thousands of years. It’s an alternative form of therapy that has helped millions of people. Sports medicine massage therapy in Perth is a type of massage that is mainly used for assisting sports persons and athletes. It’s a systematic massage that targets the muscles used for a sport. It involves the usage of techniques that accelerate recovery and reduce muscle pain. It also aims to improve the range of flexibility and motion to support overall fitness. 

A sports massage therapist can help an athlete with pre and post-performance fitness, rehabilitation and training. While sought by athletes, a sports massage is also advantageous for anyone who exercises regularly. In this blog, we will take a look at sports massage and the things to know before you get one. Continue reading to find out more.

First, let us take a look at what a sports medicine massage is.

What is a sports medicine massage?             

Sports medicine massage, also known as sports massage or athletic massage is a type of therapy that decreases the stress and tension associated with soft tissues. Unlike massages that are performed after a specific activity, a sports massage is performed before or after a performance.

A sports massage helps with increasing endurance, improving performance and taking away stress from the body. Sports massage is quite similar to deep tissue massage in this regard. A sports massage may cover a specific body part or the whole body. Sports massage can be customized to treat different types of injuries sustained from playing sports. It works by improving the soft tissue, stretching tensed muscles and stimulating resting muscles.

What are the benefits of a sports massage?

·         Enhances recovery after an injury

·         Reduces chances of injury

·         Improves stamina

·         Increases endurance

·         Helps relaxation and sleep

·         Improves function of soft tissues

·         Increases range of motion

·         Reduces stress derived from sports  

·         Helps decrease stiffness and fatigue

·         Helps participants with assessing their muscle tone

·         Improves heart rate and blood pressure

Now, let us take a look at who a sports massage therapist is.

Who is a sports massage therapist?

A sports massage therapist is a trained professional who performs sports massage on sportspersons and athletes involved in a wide range of sports. Their knowledge helps with the following:

·         What techniques to use on which muscles

·         Which parts of the body are used the most in a sport

Sports massage therapists need to be experienced and licensed individuals. They perform massages throughout the year and not just before an event. They may choose to work with:

·         Athletes in high school

·         Athletes in college

·         Professional sportspersons

Now, let us take a look at a few things to know before going for a sports massage.

A few things to know before going for a sports massage are as follows:

Drink lots of water

Drinking a lot of water before the massage session will make it easier for the therapist to work with your muscles. So make sure to drink lots of it before you arrive for your appointment. Lack of water can lead to a painful massage and stiff muscles.

Eat a light meal                

If you want to eat a heavy meal, keep it for after the massage. Eat a light meal at least 3-4 hours before your massage. Not only is it uncomfortable to lie down on your face after a huge meal, but it also slows down digestion and your body. So, please avoid overeating before the session.

Wear light clothes

The massage therapist will work with your muscles so they need to be able to see your body. The more they can see the more they will be able to reach the muscles. If you want to target a specific area, for example, the legs, you can wear shorts.  For the upper half, you can wear a loose-fitting t-shirt. Your therapist will guide you if you need to remove it during the massage. They will cover you with a towel to make sure that you are comfortable and only the areas that will be worked on will remain exposed.

You need to make sure that:

·         You can pull up your upper wear       

·         Clothing is loose fitting

·         That it is easily removable

This way your therapist can see the muscles you are having problems with and work on them.

The therapist will ask questions

Before beginning the massage, the therapist will ask you certain questions regarding your lifestyle and history. They will also ask why you want a sports massage. Answering these questions truthfully will ensure that get the most out of the massage. It’s important to ensure that you are fit enough for receiving the massage. Along with asking questions, the therapist might also carry out a physical assessment to understand your suitability. It’s best to cooperate with them to ensure you get the best Sports medicine massage therapy in Perth.

Communicate freely

Before going for any massage, it’s important to know that it doesn’t need to be painful. Talk to your therapist and establish a line of easy communication with them. There may be some discomfort but that comes with every massage.  You will get a better massage if you cooperate with the therapist. Talk to them about the pressure they will apply to you. Too much pressure can make your muscles tense and too little of it won’t be of any benefit. So, you and your therapist need to find a middle ground to ensure a comfortable massage.

Conclusion

So, this was all about sports medicine massage, what it is, its benefits and the 5 things to know before you get one. As mentioned above, it is very important to find a licensed and experienced massage therapist for getting the maximum benefits.

If you are looking for such a professional, you can get in touch with Bentley Massage. They also provide Full Body Massage Therapy Techniques in Perth.