Massage is considered to be an essential part of an elite athlete’s training and recovery program. The physical manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, serves to aid in the healing and recovery process, as well as to promote relaxation and well-being of the human body. This is why many cultures around the world have been using massage as a form of treatment for centuries, for both the layman and the sportsman. So, whether it is for stress relief, pain management, work-out recovery or just a special luxury, there can be definite value in incorporating massage into any health-care or training program, for both physical and mental reasons.
Physically, massage therapies can benefit the body by:
- Reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing blood circulation and lymph flow
- Relaxing muscles, improving range of motion, and increasing the release of endorphins
- Providing pain relief
- Increasing energy levels
- Enhancing the quality of sleep
- Reducing fatigue
- Improving the range of motion on joints and limbs
- Decreasing anxiety
- Improving concentration
- Fostering a peace of mind
- Creating body awareness
- Promoting a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Improving the ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
There are quite a variety of professionals that provide massage services, including athletic trainers, certified massage therapists and physical therapists and their techniques and methods can vary as much as they do. Regardless if it’s reflexology, deep tissue or trigger point, when deciding to include massage into a training protocol (or for general healthcare), it is important to find the style that fits. While not all techniques will work for everyone, it doesn’t matter if it’s sore muscles from a hard run, an overuse injury from repetitive motion or built up stress, there is a body work massage technique to benefit from.
For more information on massage, please visit SIRC!
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