While you might think sports massage is just for athletes, in reality, it can benefit anyone who regularly exercises, has a demanding job, or suffers from chronic pain.
Sports massage is known to effectively reduce muscle tension and aid recovery after a sports injury, amongst many other benefits.
If you’ve never had a sports massage, you might be wondering what happens, what the process is and whether it’s the right treatment for you. It’s important to consider why you are having a treatment and whether it’s pre/post event or injury treatment and recovery.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what happens in a sports massage, so you know exactly what to expect ahead of your treatment.
Let’s get into it.
- The distinction between pre and post-sports massage
- A consultation and assessment
- Advanced techniques
- Stretching and mobilisation
- Aftercare advice from your massage therapist
1. The Distinction Between Pre & Post-Sports Massage
It’s important to note the differences between pre and post-sports massage.
Pre-event sports massage involves the therapist using various techniques to warm up the muscle tissue, increasing circulation and preparing the body for action.
Post-event sports massage is generally deeper and more releasing. That said, the most effective pressure is often much less than some may expect.
Massage can also be used to help heal from an injury and increase recovery time by working on the injury site.
This must be done within a specific time period following the injury for best results. Another important way to aid the healing process is by using stretches and loading exercises, depending on the location of the injury.
Your massage therapist will discuss your specific needs in your consultation.
2. A Consultation & Assessment
Like any other massage treatment, a sports massage will begin with a consultation and assessment from your massage therapist.
This will provide you with an opportunity to talk through your medical history, including any conditions, lifestyle, and any areas of concern.
Such assessments often involve you performing a range of exercises and stretches while your massage therapist assesses your mobility, flexibility, posture, and symmetry.
Starting any treatment with this step is essential to help your therapist identify the cause of discomfort or pain and to determine the best techniques for your sports massage.
3. Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve had your consultation and you’ve discussed treatment options with your massage therapist, your massage will begin.
Here are some techniques you can expect and what they are used for.
Deep Tissue Massage
This involves your massage therapist applying pressure to specific areas of tight muscle tissue with just enough pressure to help the muscle release.
Although the term “deep tissue” could imply that the treatment might be intense or extreme, a good therapist will ensure that the pressure they provide is just enough to get the desired results without leaving you in excessive pain.
Soft Tissue Release (STR)
Soft Tissue Release can help restore flexibility to injured or sore muscles.
When muscles become stiff, they can shorten in length and become congested and very difficult to move. STR can therefore be used to promote muscle elasticity and to alleviate muscle tension, pain, and stiffness.
Trigger Point Therapy & MFR
Trigger point therapy uses myofascial release therapy techniques to apply direct pressure to trigger points to help relieve tension, stress and pain.
It can be quite intense, often taking a client close to their pain threshold, but having open communication with your massage therapist will be the best way to get the most out of this type of technique.
4. Stretching & Mobilisation
Stretching plays a key role in a sports massage and is often incorporated into your session to target specific tight areas, such as leg and hip stretches for your lower back and glutes. It can involve both passive and active stretches.
Muscle energy technique (MET) involves contraction of a muscle followed by an assisted stretch, which is carried out a few times to reach a new end range for the muscle.
Neuromuscular technique (NMT) or positional release involves shortening a muscle, which may be inflamed or sore, in order to allow the muscle to rest and/or let go. Oftentimes, it can be a less invasive technique compared to deep tissue.
Joint mobilisation can be used to improve mobility and is particularly useful in cases of shoulder injury, depending on the stage and severity of injury.
We may recommend exercises or stretches to use on yourself in between treatments, especially before and after exercise.
If you’re interested in booking a sports massage, please contact us today to book your massage in Pembrokeshire.
5. Aftercare Advice From Your Massage Therapist
Last, but by no means least, is the aftercare advice provided by your massage therapist.
Aftercare advice from your therapist might include things such as:
- Staying hydrated – While essential in your day-to-day routine, it’s especially important to drink water to flush out any toxins released during your sports massage.
- Stretching & Exercise recommendations – We may recommend stretches and exercises to help speed up recovery time and improve your overall performance.
- Movement – You might also be given advice on some gentle movement in the days that follow your sports massage.
Generally speaking, it takes 24-48 hours to feel the maximum benefits of a sports massage, after which you should feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Is It Normal To Have Muscle Pain After a Sports Massage?
Deep sports massage can result in aching muscles in the days following the treatment. This is completely normal and nothing to be alarmed by, as the majority of clients will feel some discomfort.
It’s common to feel a bit tender, but it should pass in a day or two. If you’re worried, it’s best to speak to your massage therapist about any concerns you may have. Your therapist will provide you with all the aftercare advice you will need.
How We Can Help
At Mobile Massage Pembrokeshire, we offer a range of custom treatments for active people.
Whatever your chosen sport or activity, we can create a treatment plan and remedial massage adapted for you and your goals.
Are you ready to book a sports massage? If you are interested in seeing our treatment menu or would like more information on the treatments available, please get in touch with one of our experienced therapists.
