A quick Google search for the “benefits of sports massage” will throw up a smorgasboard of purported benefits ranging from an increase in range of movement to the ability to swim faster than a shark (don’t quote me on that one…)
But in reality there are 7 benefits of sports massage supported by the literature:
- Increased Joint Range of Movement
Whether it be a decrease in neural sensitivity, a reduction in protective muscle spasm, or an increase in flow of inflammatory fluid through the lymphatic system, sports massage can be effective in helping to increase your joint range of movement. - Increased Flexibility
Did you know that flexibility is affected by the ability of a muscle to relax and contract? Massage plays a significant role in decreasing muscle tonicity, relaxing the muscle and allowing you to move better with greater range as well as improving your capacity to contract and produce force. - Increased Sense of Wellbeing
Well-being is defined as ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.’ The key elements are:
Physical
Emotional
Social
Spiritual
Intellectual
Economic
Whilst a sports massage won’t teach you the quantum entanglement theory, it can help improve your both physical and spiritual state. - Reduced Muscle Tension
No one likes to be tight, and we can help put that right! Muscle tension is a neural concept, in that the neural system (our brain and our nerves) dictates how much tension is applied to each muscle. It’s how you’re able to kick a ball or do a squat or click to book an appointment…
Massage helps to reduced the neural input to a given muscle, reducing the tension and allowing you to feel looser and more comfortable. - Decreased Neurological Excitability
We’re back to those nerves again… Depending on the massage technique, mechanical pressure on the muscle can decrease neural excitability, measured in the literature by the Hoffman Reflex. - Decreased Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are a reaction to a muscle being significantly overloaded – to an extent it’s to protect you from injuring yourself. That said, they’re really uncomfortable and can lead to a significant decrease in muscle performance. Whilst the long term fix for consistent muscle spasms is strength training, massage can help reduced the spasm symptom and support your strength based rehab programming. - Better Sleep
Do you struggle to get good quality sleep? Maybe you just need a massage?
Regular massage sessions have been found to decrease depression and anxiety levels and improve sleep quality, perhaps because they trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help you feel calm.
Isn’t it time you booked yourself a sports massage? We have appointments available Monday-Friday with both Ian and Elizabeth, click here to head to our online booking system and book yourself an appointment today.
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Check out more of our blog content:
https://www.seventy9sportstherapy.co.uk/dont-let-your-engine-outpace-your-chassis/
https://www.seventy9sportstherapy.co.uk/can-you-treat-patients-over-video/
https://www.seventy9sportstherapy.co.uk/are-you-doing-the-right-strength-training/
https://www.seventy9sportstherapy.co.uk/balance-body-and-bike/