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Is Sports Massage for You?

Alright, so you may not be a star athlete playing on an NFL team, but you ARE physically active, right? So why use massage therapy only as a special “treat” for when you feel emotionally stressed out? The truth is that different massage techniques can also help heal your weekend-warrior, sports-related, and gym induced injuries. In fact, sports medicine has employed massage therapy as a complementary treatment for decades!

Have you ever seen a personal trainer massaging the legs or arms of a professional athlete during a big game? Well, that's not just for show. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says the rubbing, pressing and body manipulation involved in massage therapy works to soothe muscles and increase blood flow. This, in turn, helps relax tense, sore, or overworked muscles. And, a further study published in February 2012 in Science Translational Medicine found that massage therapy can reduce inflammation and promote muscle healing on the molecular level.

What does this mean? When we exercise, we're actually tearing and slightly damaging our muscles in order to build them up to be stronger over time. In the short term, this can cause inflammation. Sometimes taking an aspirin will help with the momentary dull pain that comes after exercising. This study suggests that getting a massage after exercise has similar effects.

But the benefits don't stop there. Massage therapy can also help prevent sports injuries when used as part of a conditioning routine. Regular massage can help stretch tight muscles and increase flexibility in athletes, which results in less risk of injury overall.

So whether you're a professional athlete with a strict training regimen or an average Joe or Jane who likes to run a few miles before work, massage therapy can have a place in keeping your body fit and ready for any type of exercise.

As always – Enjoy Your Life!

John Aaron Villarreal


Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!
 
The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program.
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  1. stgeorgemassageUTAugust 6, 2013 at 2:07 AM

    Athletes must always be at the peak of health especially those who are competing professionally. They must exercise daily and eat healthily to be at their best form that they may break records and become champions on their selected field.

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