Over that past decade,sports massages have skyrocketed in popularity among pro athletes and even celebs like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Dolf Lundgren who want to keep their bodies operating at optimal levels. While the term ‘sports massage’ may sound like it is a privilege reserved for an elite group of athletic people, this is nothing but a misconception. Truth be told, everyone, from serious athletes to casual exercisers can benefit from sports massages. Here are just three of many superb benefits to mention when suggesting the service to colleagues and clients alike.
It Can Help Reduce Pain
Another prominent benefit of sports massage is its ability to help reduce pain-causing inflammation by improving circulation. It can also help to ease the pain and discomfort brought on by muscle tension. While pain reduction will, obviously, contribute to anyone’s overall well-being, it can also boost athletic performance considerably. Although traditional massaging using the hands has always been proven to be extremely effective, massage guns are also known to be efficient at reducing pain. Massage guns are particularly effective in thetreatment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that generally follows an intense workout. Serious athletes and exercise enthusiasts may even want to invest in their own massage guns to use as required in the comfort of their own homes
Sports Massages Increase Recovery Rate
Apart from relieving pain, sports massages can also help repair muscle and other tissue, thus speeding up recovery. During a massage, blood flow is increased. This ensures that oxygen and other nutrients are delivered to where they are needed most, faster. A massage can also help treat a sport or exercise-related injury by boosting capillarization in the blood, increasing the overall elasticity of various tissues, and breaking down and then realigning vital collagen fibers. It is for this reason that sports massages often form part of a broader, intensive injury rehabilitation program. Sports massage can also be used to help prevent injury from occurring in the first place by improving not only posture but strength and flexibility as well.
Enjoy Improved Sleep
One of the lesser-known benefits of sports massages also happens to be one of the most sought-after – improved sleep. In addition to easing pain and improving circulation, sports massages can also lower blood and even boost the immune system. It can, furthermore, also reduce stress by minimizing the production of cortisol (an aggressive stress hormone) and boosting that of two feel-good hormones, dopamine and serotonin. When stress is reduced effectively and relaxation sets in, chances are good that a better quality of sleep may be enjoyed. Considering what a rare commodity sound sleep has become of late, this may soon become one of the main reasons people seek out sports massages.
Sports massages can be of great benefit to both serious and casual athletes. Even just one session may be enough to help relieve pain, boost recovery, and improve the overall quality of sleep.
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Sally Perkins
