When you see “sports massage” in our services list, do you imagine an exceptionally conditioned athlete on our line of customers? While it’s true that professional athletes seek this, it’s a common misconception that sports massage is designed only for them.
The truth is, if you love to go to the gym, hiking, dancing, or even someone who enjoys regular brisk walking, sports massage can be an important aspect in your wellness. An active lifestyle often causes stress to build up and can result in muscle tension, repetitive strain injury, sprain, fatigue, and even burnout. For every active body, sports massage is one of the solutions to relax muscles and refresh the spirit from the everyday hustle and bustle.
But what makes sports massage different from our other premium massage services?
In the article, “How is Sports Massage Different from a Normal Massage?” sports massage is defined as a massage not solely tailored to athletes but to people who regularly engage with physical activities that seek to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and develop faster recovery. It helps enhance an individual’s overall well-being and active or athletic performance.
In a blog by West 1 Health titled “Why Sports Massage Isn’t Only For Pro Athletes,” they identified a few techniques used by therapist in sports massage, including:
• Stroking: It improves blood circulation lymphatic drainage by using a stroking technique and massage oils to relax the muscles.
• Kneading: It focuses on improving blood flow, helping nutrients and oxygen get to the body, and helping the body get rid of waste by using different speeds and pressures to raise and squeeze the body
• Trigger Pointing: It helps relieve pain and loosens up muscles that are tight.
• Friction: It enhances blood circulation and releases pressure in tight or strained muscles, tendons, or joints by applying pressure on the muscles using the thumbs or balls of the fingers.
How Sports Massage Benefits an Active Lifestyle?
There’s no need for rigorous training or sports to get a sports massage. As written by Giuseppi Salustri in the article “How Sports Massage Transforms An Active Lifestyle,” here’s how it can support you in your daily life:
1. It keeps you from getting injuries by addressing any dysfunctions or problems in your muscles and soft tissues, and it can also help you move better.
2. It speeds up the process of rebuilding and repairing muscles by flushing out metabolic waste products, easing muscle pain, and helping you relax. This helps you recover faster after a heavy workout or other physical activities.
3. It helps your body move better by making your muscles work more effectively, making you more flexible, and increasing your range of motion.
At Massage Daily PH, we believe–whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who leads an active lifestyle–sports massage is the best way to break from the pain and strain caused by the demands of everyday life.
UPLB Intern, Trinity Nicole Policarpio