Sports massage therapy is the key to maintaining a fitness regimen instead of starting one only to drop it after getting sore all over. Fitness trainers point out that many people go through the cycle of starting and stopping fitness regimens because of this. The missing factor was sports massage therapy from a professional massage therapist. You can find these qualified therapists at a reputable therapeutic massage spa that also offers reflexology massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy in Anonka County, Minneapolis, St Paul and Blaine MN.
Experts explain that the muscle soreness usually felt after rigorous exercise is caused by the lactic acid and other metabolic wastes that have built up in the muscles. Massage therapists can use sports massage therapy to successfully and safely flush away such unwanted waste matter. The result is reduced inflammation, minimized soreness and the prevention of cramps. At the same time, massage hydrates the muscles properly by bringing more blood flow. When muscle soreness after exercise is minimized, people are more inclined to continue with their fitness plans.
Sports massage therapy not just minimizes soreness but also reduces the risk of exercise-related or sports-related injury. This is because massage improves flexibility and agility and increases range of motion. Tight muscles are stretched, released and relaxed. Blood circulation is increased and oxygenation is improved. Energy levels are, therefore, maximized. Physical problem areas are also exposed, enabling therapists and trainers to address them appropriately. There is a psychological effect, as well, since massage therapy brings about mental clarity and alertness while dissipating anxiety and nervousness. The net effect for the fitness enthusiast is a more effective and efficient workout. For athletes, this results in better performance.
For many athletes, sports massage therapy is a standard component of training. Experts recommend that sports massage therapy be consistently and regularly done, with the minimum frequency being once a week. The regular massage therapy session should also be done three to four days prior to any competition while a short prep massage of about 15 to 20 minutes should be given within four hours before a sports event.
After a competition, another short massage of about 10 to 15 minutes should again be administered once the athlete has finished cooling down and re hydrating. This post event massage should never be skipped nor should it be postponed to a day or more after the event. The immediate post event massage session will enable the athlete to recover faster from fatigue. In case of any injury incurred, this massage session can provide the earliest appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing and quicker recovery.
For the treatment of sports related injuries, sports massage therapy can ensure the prevention of muscle compensation that creates body imbalance. It also encourages proper cell growth while healing.
You need not confine yourself to sports massage therapy for your fitness regimen, too. You may develop some deep tightness and knots in your muscles that need deep tissue massage therapy. At times, you may be between training sessions or workouts and would just want to relax with Swedish massage therapy. If you have other health concerns, reflexology massage therapy may be the best massage modality for them. Or if you happen to be pregnant, you could still have your own pregnancy fitness regimen supported by special pregnancy massage therapy.
{ 0 comments }