Sports massage can help reduce discomfort and pain after rigorous physical activities. Besides physical relaxation, massage also provides psychological and physiological benefits. Massage was meant to help active individuals recover from sports injuries. Massage is different from regular spa massage in that it involves fast-paced body touches and stretches. However, the effectiveness of sports massage depends on the sport you are engaged in. Athletes can use it as post-work-out care or a pre-workout regimen. Here are top benefits of sports massage for active individuals.
Increased Flexibility
Every athlete strives to do their best. However, constant training and rigorous sporting activities can take a toll on an athlete’s muscles. Overtraining and engaging in rigorous sports activities can also lead to muscle rigidity. Fortunately, massage can help increase body flexibility and relax tensed muscles. A massage before a competitive match can help improve performance, increase body flexibility, and relax tensed muscles. A sports massage a few hours before a sporting activity can help promote mobility by increasing blood flow to the fascia and muscle tissues. Sports movement can also increase joints movement by lengthening and stretching the muscles. Massage allows more movement between bones and increases the fluid inside the joints. This works the same as topping up the car oil by enabling body fluids to move more freely.
Relaxation
Massage can have so many psychological benefits, including enabling the mind to meditate. Massage at Qi Massage & Natural Healing Spa helps restore and clear minds. It is easier to get focused and get through the clutter when someone is in a meditative state. Relaxation can also contribute to improved performance. Also, relaxed and focused athletes are capable of standing out in competitive sports.
Improved Blood Circulation
Blood pressure increases when the muscles are relaxed. Increased blood supply to the muscles allows more delivery of nutrients to the muscles and removes unwanted body products, including lactic acid. Increased blood circulation also reduces the likelihood of injuries and improves the recovery period.
Stress Relief
The body can’t perform at its best when it feels stressed. Stress can be in the form of mental unrest after a busy working week or physical fatigue. However, massage can help relieve stress after a stressful week and prevent injuries. It can also boost your immune system.
Reduced Muscle Soreness
Muscles suffer micro-tears after rigorous physical activity. While micro-tears cause no harm, they produce inflammation that can rebuild the tears during the recovery period. The production of these tears may make you feel pain after an exercise. Fortunately, massage can help improve blood flow and aid in flushing out waste products such as lactic acid and speed up muscle repair.
Pain Relief
The increased flow of blood to the muscles can help reduce pain caused by inflammation. Sports massage can help loosen the tight muscles and lift off muscle tension. Massage at Qi Massage & Natural Healing Spa can also help reduce or eliminate injuries and pain that may limit an athlete’s performance. It can also relieve muscle tension and swelling and reduce fatigue. Muscle tension tends to build in soft tissues after strenuous physical activity. Massage can help an athlete prevent injuries and pain that can affect their overall performance.
Improved Sleep
Massage can induce relaxation and reduce tension, resulting in a night of improved, quality sleep. Quality sleep is incredibly integral to the performance of an athlete and recovery from an injury.
Reduce Psychological Tension
Massage triggers the body to release endorphins, a hormone produced from the pituitary gland as a natural pain reliever. Besides pain relief, endorphins can also help enhance an athlete’s wellbeing, improve mood, and alleviate anxiety.
Quick Recovery
Massage at Qi Massage & Natural Healing Spa in Winston-Salem speeds up the recovery of injured tissues such as ligaments and tendons. It also ensures that the injured body part recovers in the right way. Massage can also help an athlete manage scars and maintain mobility even when they are injured. Sports massage has always helped improve blood circulation, repairing the tissues and muscles injured during strenuous training.
Increased Oxygen and Nutrients Supply
The body demands more nutrients and oxygen during strenuous physical activities. Because massage helps improve blood flow to the muscles, it can also enhance the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles.
Removal of Unwanted Body Products
Carbonic and lactic acid usually build up in the muscle tissues during exercises. Muscles produce energy through the metabolic process, where energy is stored in glycogen stores. The body produces carbonic and lactic acids as the by-products of this process. The acid produced can irritate scars and muscles. However, improved blood and air circulation after a massage can help eliminate these waste products. An athlete may need to drink plenty of water after a rigorous training session to speed up waste product removal.
Sports massage benefits aren’t the preserve of athletes. Most people believe that massage is only meant for athletes competing at an elite level. However, research has found that everyone can benefit from massage. People participating at all levels of activities can benefit from massage, including reduced muscle pain tension. Massage benefits go beyond pain relief and soothing muscles. One way athletes can make the most out of their talent is to get a sports massage. It will help speed up your recovery, improve blood and oxygen supply, and maintain your performance at your best. If you’re looking for a sports massage in Winston-Salem, look no further than Qi Massage & Natural Healing Spa. Contact us today to schedule a massage.