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What is sports massage therapy?

Massage Therapy in Victoria

What is sports massage therapy?

Sports massage therapy is a distinct form of massage geared to effectively address a wide range of concerns in the muscles of athletes of all skill levels. The primary purpose of sports massage is to alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity.

The mechanical action of [sports] massage may promote a return to more normal muscle fiber alignment. The promotion of muscle fiber alignment afforded by massage facilitates recovery of muscle function, overcomes fatigue, and enhances performance.

How does sports massage work?                              

A registered massage therapist will assess the frequency and types of activity of a patient and use this information to target specific muscle groups. The techniques used are often specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are targeted the areas of the body that experience the most wear and tear in physical activity.

Sports massage therapy focuses on the prevention and healing of injuries to your muscles and tendons by encouraging the circulation of blood and lymph and by reducing muscle tension.  By improving circulation sports massage is both preventative and restorative. Preventative sports massage can help to prevent buildup of lactic acid in muscles, help prevent cramps, and decrease the risk of injury. Restorative sports massage can relieve muscle tension, improve recovery time, keep muscles and tendons flexible, and enhance training. Consequently, sports massage can support an athlete for optimum performance by reducing muscle tension and inflammation and by increasing flexibility, range of movement and endurance.

massage therapy victoria

Sports massage can be divided into four categories:

1. Pre-event 

Pre-event sports massage is given prior to engaging in intense competitive physical activity. It serves to prepare the athlete for peak performance and increased endurance.

2. Post-event

Post-event sports massage is delivered after periods of intense physical activity. Usually given within two hours of activity he goal is to promote healing and recovery and to help the body maintain homeostasis.

3. Restorative 

Restorative sports massage is provided during training to allow the athlete to train with greater intensity and endurance with a decreased risk of injury.

4. Rehabilitative 

Rehabilitative sports massage can be delivered at any time and id focused on relieving the pain and inflammation caused by a sports injury. It has the specific goal of accelerating healing and recovery.

Is it right for you?

Every athlete is different with unique needs, and sports massage therapy can have immense benefits for non-athletes as well. Wether you regularly compete in sports or spend all day working at a desk.  Our RMTs can design a personal treatment plan to promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury, reduce recovery time and enhance your overall sense of wellbeing.

Related Article: What you need to know about Massage Therapy – An Infographic

Related Article: Six Conditions you did not know Massage Therapy could treat

Geometry Integrated Health offers massage therapy in Victoria BC. We are located downtown next to the YMCA and are open 7 days a week  Wether you are recovering from an injury, looking to manage chronic pain or are interested in the many benefits sports massage therapy has to offer or just looking for a massage in Victoria BC, check out our registered massage therapists and take advantage of our online booking and direct billing.

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