Whether you're an athlete or simply use massage to keep your body in peak condition, sports massage can improve muscle recovery and prevent injury. It can also alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and break down adhesions that can impede movement and cause pain.
However, some people have misconceptions about sports massage. Here are three of the most common:
1. It’s Only for Athletes
While sports massage initially came about as a way to help athletes condition their bodies for high performance and aid in injury prevention, it is not exclusive to athletes! It can be beneficial for anyone who has a regular exercise routine.
Not only can sports massage improve muscle flexibility and range of motion, but it can also decrease stress and fatigue and even boost immunity. Additionally, a sports massage can help you recover from an exercise-related injury faster.
In addition, a massage will help to increase blood flow and flush out the accumulated toxins in the muscles. So, if you get a massage and the therapist mentions that there is “a lot of toxins released” during the session, know that this is totally normal and good! Just be sure to drink lots of water after your massage to avoid dehydration. This will also help to flush out the toxins quicker. This will help to prevent the buildup of lactic acid and reduce stiffness in the muscles.
2. It’s Painful
Whether you’re an elite athlete or just someone who is trying to improve their overall fitness, sports massage can be beneficial to your health. However, a common misconception is that it’s painful.
There are a number of factors that influence how much discomfort you feel during and after your treatment, including your personal pain tolerance, which can vary from person to person. A skilled therapist will work within your comfort zone and communicate with you throughout the session to ensure they are not applying too much pressure.
Some discomfort during a massage is normal and can even be a good thing, as it indicates that the treatment is working. However, if you experience sharp or intense pain that comes with swelling, this may be a sign of injury and it is important to inform your therapist immediately so they can manage the situation appropriately.
3. It’s Only for Cellulite
While it is true that massage can make cellulite more visible, this is not its only benefit. Massage also helps break up fat cells, improves blood circulation, and promotes collagen production. The combination of these effects reduces the swelling and fluid retention that often accompanies cellulite.
In addition to massage, there are a number of self massage tools that are heavily marketed as aiding in cellulite reduction. These tools include vibration plates, a device called a “sculpting wand,” and even massage guns. However, they are not nearly as effective as a professional massage.
While these devices may not offer as many benefits as a proper cellulite massage, they are still worth trying in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet. This combination will help you achieve the smooth, soft skin you desire while also strengthening and toning your muscles. It will take time to see results, but consistency is key when it comes to cellulite reduction.
4. It’s a Waste of Money
There are many misconceptions about sports massage. Whether it’s believing it’s only for athletes, that it’s painful, or that it encourages cellulite growth – they can deter people from taking up this important treatment.
This could not be further from the truth. In fact, while some treatments can be uncomfortable, a well-qualified and experienced therapist will tailor their treatment to the individual. They will ensure that the pressure applied is tolerable, and that the treatment is effective. Moreover, pushing through extreme pain will actually cause further damage to the tissues and can even exacerbate existing injuries.
It’s also worth noting that while a single ad hoc massage can help, a series of sessions is more effective. This is because the muscles and soft tissue need time to repair, adapt, and improve their ability to work together effectively. This will in turn help you achieve your fitness goals and reach a higher level of sports massage and blood circulation performance. It will also help prevent injury and aid in the recovery process after intense physical activity.
