Spa and Professional Massage for Athletes – A Basic Guide

There was a time when massage was considered a luxury for the few. Nowadays, everyone looks for the neighborhood spa, especially professional athletes and trainers. A massage is not only considered useful but essential to keep the body in shape and at the highest level of performance. Surveys and studies have shown over and over again that massage can have very positive effects on the functioning of the body. Athletes can be treated better and rehabilitation can be speeded up.

The positive aspects of body massage are not limited to the professional athlete; they can be taken advantage of by anyone practicing a regular exercise regimen. Better performance, prevention of minor injuries, decreased pain, more focus, and reduced recovery time are some of the benefits of soft tissue therapy. The following sections provide an essential guide to massage for any athlete or fitness enthusiast.

The anatomical benefits of a massage

When the body is massaged two things happen. First of all, the pressure of the masseur’s hand and the movement of it results in a mechanical response in the body. Second, a reflex action occurs because the nerve endings are stimulated. The two responses combine to create an effect on the body’s cardiovascular system that leads to the following benefits:

• The blood vessels dilate, which increases blood circulation and promotes efficiency.
• The flow to the heart is increased with repeated manual massage resulting in a higher level of oxygen in the body. The tissues have better access to nutrients and the body easily eliminates waste products and toxins.
• The heart rate decreases, which leads to a release of tension and a calmer body.

In addition to the cardiovascular benefits of a massage, an athlete also gains muscular system benefits.

• Soreness is eliminated from the muscles and tension is eradicated, leading to faster recovery in athletes.
• Muscles have more range of motion due to increased flexibility.
• The previous two are combined to strengthen the performance of the individual in competitions and games by building muscles.

Types of massages for athletes

Pain relief, stronger and more flexible muscles and a more natural recovery are the three significant advantages of a massage for people who train. But that doesn’t mean that no type of massage therapy provides these results. For athletes and sports people, there are a few varieties of treatments that work best:

1. Sport massage: Depending on the type of game the athlete plays; sports therapies may differ. Most of them are done at very high speed and include a lot of stretching. The approach to massage can also vary depending on when it is implemented. A pre-workout massage would primarily include stretches that warm up the muscles. A therapy performed after a game would be focused on increasing elasticity and reducing pain.
2. Deep Tissue Therapies: This is used when certain sections of the body are causing problems. For example, when the knee muscles start to ache from constant activity, strong pressure on the muscles and surrounding tissue can help resolve the problem. These types of massages occasionally leave the person sore because they are designed to remove knots. Eradicating tension and pain from the muscles requires a lot of pressure.

Therefore, instead of opting for aromatherapy or soft tissue massage, it is better to select sports or deep tissue massage.

The right time to schedule massages

The first point to keep in mind is to remember that the results that a regular massage can provide can never be compared to a single one. Any leading body massage center will recommend scheduling a comprehensive massage regimen that works in conjunction with the athlete’s sports program. Therapies are very similar to training. The more regularly you do them, the better the results. Any athlete who wants to reap the cumulative benefits of spas needs to schedule them in short intervals.

There are two crucial points that should be taken into account when performing massages before or after a game:

• They are not just for solving problems; they can also be used for preventive measures.
• The result of therapies can be short-lived, hence the need for a regular massage schedule

The optimal schedule for any professional athlete or person who exercises at a high level is once every 7 days. If that is not possible, once every 2 weeks is essential. For other people, who don’t train as much or have budget-related limitations, twice in 30 days is recommended.

A succinct summary

Athlete, amateur or expert, budding trainer or exercise lover, everyone can use massage for body maintenance, resolution of sore spots and recovery from injuries. Therapies can become the crucial weapon you need to keep your body in top condition. Massages can not only help you physically, the mental benefits are also immense. They can help you focus better and relax more.