Why Sports Massage is Good For Elite Athletes and Occasional Alike
Sports Massage Enhances Athlete Performance Throughout History
Therapeutic sports massage was developed in order to prepare athletes’ bodies for the intense stress it was going to be put under. It was practiced by massage therapists to help athletes achieve optimal performance and aid in quick recovery.
“Many elite athletes consider sports massage an essential part of their training and recovery routine. They rely on it to help them train more effectively, improve performance, prevent injury and speed their recovery after strenuous exertion,” writes a blogger for Elements Massage.
Sports Massage Isn’t Just For Elite Athletes
But, sport massage shouldn’t be reserved only for those training for the Olympics. Occasional athletes, those who partake in the weekend hockey game, or once-in-awhile jog, should also look into sports massage.
“You don’t have to be a professional athlete to get a therapeutic sports massage! It’s ideal for anyone who’s physically active – as well as someone who’s just starting out with a new workout program at the gym, running their first 10K or marathon, or doing anything else that’s outside their normal activity routine,” the blogger writes.
4 Types of Sports Massage for Elite and Occasional Athletes
Elements Massage outlines the four types of sports massage:
- Pre-event Sports Massage - A short, stimulating massage before an event. It is directed towards the parts of the body that will be the most heavily involved in exertion.
- Post-event Sports Massage – Usually this takes place either an hour or two after an event. The objective is to normalize the body’s tissues and prevent stiffness or soreness.
- Restorative Sports Massage – Takes place during training to allow the athlete to train longer, harder and with less possibility for injury.
- Rehabilitative Sports Massage – Should take place on a regular basis and is designed to either alleviate pain, increase range of motion or to restore the body to health.
