Sports Recovery Massage
Massage Matters
Massage is a great way for us to ease everyday stresses. For many of us, having a massage is a sensational treat we indulge in once a month or so.
To a professional athlete, massage therapy is an everyday and on-the-field essential. Having spent a large part of their time getting into tiptop shape, a pro athlete or sportsperson will have a team of physical therapists, trainers and nutritionists on call. Athletes and coaches are constantly fine tuning their training strategies in order to develop a competitive edge. The use of therapeutic methods such as thermal treatments, electrical stimulation (link to ems), and massage are often performed for this purpose.
Athletes, trainers and doctors increasingly recognize the value of sports massage in the training room and out on the field, for conditioning, recovery and competitiveness.
Effects of Massage on Sports Performance
According to research by scientists at McMaster University in Ontario, it was found that massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria. This means that sports massage reduces pain, and builds and repairs muscles. Studies have also shown improvements in hamstring flexibility and grip strength on test subjects that received 5-10 minutes of massage versus the control group.
Many amateur sports may consist of multiple rounds or matches (such as swimming, track and field, martial arts, etc). It is not surprising to see boxers being massaged on the ringside during breaks between bouts. Massaging a muscle or group of muscles has been studied to facilitate blood lactate clearance which in turn, may improve muscle soreness or pain post-workout.
All in all, massage have the following positive effects on the body:
- Improved recovery
- Better flexibility
- Eases tensions
- Improves circulation
- Mental conditioning, stress relief.
[1. Holey E, Cook E. Evidence-Based Therapeutic Massage. A Practical Guide for Therapists. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 2003]
The Total Body Massage Gun is suitable for Sports recovery massage as it helps ease aches and pains using it’s 2 in 1 belt and percussion massage.
According to the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, sports massage can reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a heavy impact on performance. The state of mind is almost as important as the state of your body. The psychological effect provided by massage therapy may be of importance in a non-physiological manner.
The endorphins released during massage help to decrease anxiety, provide pain relief, improve mood and enhance your sense of well-being.
Sports such as cycling, gymnastics or golf, which require maneuvering and focusing, can be affected by experiencing a sports massage prior to the event. The relaxed, lowered-tension states promote focus and agility – qualities of the elite athlete.
What’s Best for You?
People have different taste in massage, and treatments need not be of the same intensity. Some prefer a gentler and more relaxing massage experience. Others may prefer a stronger, more penetrating style of massage. Spending time to understand the range of massage guns available in the market will help you make the right decision.
A good way is usually to start researching on product reviews so that you hear what others have to say about the brands available. Additionally, check out various promotions to snag yourself a better deal.
Some massage guns may have extra massage heads as well as additional features like belt massage. Be sure to try out those you shortlisted and compare the features that suit your preferences.
Type of massage nodes matters
Massage gun work by delivering rapid pulses through the muscle. This promotes an increase in metabolic activity in the muscles, including a boost in temperature and blood flow.
Be it for sports recovery or to enhance your game, having a massage is an indispensable part for many active individuals. Having a good massage gun helps. Check out our massage guns here.
