If you’re an athlete, you should know that recovery is essential for staying in the game. After a hard training session, workout, or event, you need to recover properly in order to keep going. Massage should be a component of that. As an athlete, getting a massage on a regular basis is a really good way to recover after a workout, an event, etc. However, there are different kinds of massage that can be good for you, so it’s important to know a few different kinds and how they can help, so you can choose the right one for your needs. Let’s walk through 3 types of massage that can help athletes recover after a hard day or week.
1. Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is the most common form of massage that athletes and non-athletes alike would know about. This type of massage would be perfect for runners, especially before a big competition. A Swedish massage is made up of long, flowing strokes with varying amounts of pressure. Doing this alleviates muscle tension and promotes blood flow at the same time. As we mentioned, this massage is good for before a competition, but it can also be helpful after intensive workouts. Lighter strokes help relieve stress and muscle tension without doing more damage to the muscles.
2. Sports Massage
Sports massages are perfectly designed for very active individuals, which most athletes are. However, even if you’re not an athlete, you could still be considered a highly active individual, and this massage would be perfect for you! A sports massage includes various techniques that target areas related to your activity or sport. It’s common for athletes to receive these massages in preparation for peak performance, heal from an injury, or prevent injury. The benefits of a sports massage include promoting blood flow, lymphatic fluids drainage, stretching out sore muscles, and aiding scar tissue breakdown. This kind of massage can also help lower an athlete’s anxiety levels.
3. Trigger Point Massage
A trigger point massage is used for knots and areas of pain in the muscle tissue. A massage therapist applies deep pressure to alleviate the adhesions. A trigger point massage is best for treating injuries such as calf strains, hamstring injuries, and IT band tightness.
If you’re an athlete or a highly active individual, we strongly recommend you consider massage as a form of recovery. If you’d like to try one of these massages or have questions about others, contact Tieperman Health and Wellness today to speak with a professional.