You may be familiar with the term sports massage. If you exercise intensively, this can overload your body and muscles. While relaxing in the sauna or taking a few days of rest can help, a sports massage may be a more effective solution.
> Do you need tips to be able to perform faster again after an intensive workout? Read it here.
In this blog we discuss what a sports massage entails, what the sports massage benefits are and what results a sports massage achieves.
What is a sports massage?
A sports massage is a more intensive form of muscle stimulation. Slow, deep massage techniques are used, with extra attention for tired and/or stressed muscles. A sports massage improves blood circulation, so that waste products, moisture and pain stimuli are removed. In addition, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the treated areas is stimulated. This type of massage promotes muscle recovery with the aim of preventing injuries.
Why a sports massage?
A sports massage can offer several benefits, such as:
- Improved blood circulation, because the blood flow is stimulated by massaging the muscles. This helps to remove waste and transport nutrients to the muscles.
- A sports massage helps to reduce muscle tension and muscle pain. Do you want to read more about what muscle pain actually is? Read it in this article.
- A sports massage helps the body to recover faster after a workout.
- Regular sports massage improves the flexibility and freedom of movement of muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury. Have you sustained an injury? Read here which treatment is best for you.
- A sports massage can help improve an athlete's overall performance.
- A sports massage helps to reduce stress, so it can contribute to a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Results of a sports massage
With a sports massage, specific parts of the body are treated, which can make them feel sensitive and painful after the massage. Usually this pain disappears within two days. It is important to drink enough water after the massage, because waste products are released and water can drain them well, so that the body is properly cleaned. The effect of a sports massage is immediately noticeable and includes:
- Better blood flow
- Better waste disposal
- Better supply of oxygen and nutrients
- Better metabolism
- Better muscle function
- Better mental state
- Better physical condition
After every sporting effort, a massage?
You can apply a sports massage before, after or during sports. When you use a sports massage for an effort, you actually prepare your muscles for the performance that needs to be delivered. When you are intensively massaged after exercise, the massage ensures that your recovery is faster, you do not get muscle pain and injuries are prevented. During exercise, a sports massage can help to relax heavily loaded muscles or muscle groups, after which they are prepared for further effort.
Only for athletes?
However, a sports massage is not only intended for athletes, although you might think so. Because of the relaxing effect on the entire body, this type of massage is also intended for people who do not exercise or exercise less. Tension in the muscles can also be caused by stress or a long-term incorrect working posture.
When not a sports massage?
There are a number of situations in which a sports massage is not appropriate. You should not be massaged if you have a fever, an infection or a wound. A sports massage is also not allowed after a tear in one of your muscles or a bruise.
Difference between sports massage and relaxation massage.
There is a crucial difference between a sports massage and a standard relaxation massage and that is the intensity of the massage. With a sports massage, more pressure is used than with a standard massage. A relaxation massage involves soft and calm movements, because the purpose of this massage is different from a sports massage. The latter is aimed at loosening the muscles, stimulating the blood circulation of the muscles, while a relaxation massage focuses on relaxing the body and mind.
Would you like to consult our network of sports masseurs?
Would you like to discover the benefits of a sports massage yourself? Have you been looking for those extra "marginal gains" that will help you achieve your goals? Please contact us and we will be happy to put you in touch with our RÉVVI masseurs in your area.
