We all know that massage is great for stress relief and relaxation, but it has many other benefits as well. Did you know that massage can enhance sports performance and assist in a quick recovery? Sports massage focuses on the specific muscles groups used for each athletes sport.
Pre-sports massage can prepare an athlete for high intensity activity by helping to stretch the muscles groups and increase blood flow, as well as helping to improve joint range of motion. Psychological benefits include helping an athlete to have increased focus and confidence that their muscles are ready to perform at the highest level possible.
Research suggests that massage offers important post-exercise benefits as well. For instance, researchers at Ohio State University have shown in animal studies that post-exercise massage results in less swelling and fewer signs of inflammation when compared to animals that had not received massage after exercise.
Don’t forget to let massage therapy be an important part of your strategy for peak sports performance!