Did you know professional athletes and their coaches keep massage therapists on their payroll indefinitely because massage therapy has had such positive effects on their performance? Prior to keeping trained therapists on staff, the benefits of therapeutic massage weren’t being taken seriously.
Thanks to new studies, and reputable sources like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage has gained credibility and recognition. LaVida Massage + Skincare licensed therapists know it isn’t just for pros, but it helps anyone who participates in regular exercise programs. The clichéd phrase, “no pain, no gain”, is well known by these active individuals and for them, massage therapy acts to improve performance, reduce pain, prevent injury, encourage focus and shorten recovery time.
LaVida Massage + Skincare certified therapists educate you on the process, based on your needs, and help you understand the three most prominent areas of a sports massage, assisting you to gain control of your long term health. These are: physiological and psychological effects, and when to schedule it.
The benefits of a sports massage on an athlete are many:
Especially the benefits to the muscular system, which ties directly to a cardiovascular gain. During a session, the increased and enhanced blood circulation helps to relieve muscle tension, reduce soreness and helps you recover faster. This relaxed muscle state increases range of motion and flexibility, both benefits leading to better athletic performance. It delivers fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, promoting waste and toxin removal. Thus experiencing the physiological effects this type of massage brings.
Next are the psychological effects.
Sports such as cycling, gymnastics or golf, which require maneuvering and focusing, can be affected by experiencing a sports massage prior to involvement. The benefits here include reduced stress, tension and anxiety, while promoting relaxation. The relaxed, lowered-tension states promote focusing and agility, an excellent factor to have before going to any sport, or athletic regimen of your choice requiring concentration and alertness.
So when should you schedule your massage?
LaVida Massage + Skincare licensed therapists say if you’re a Pro or sportsperson, one thing to keep in mind is a massage here and there is nice, but the benefits won’t be the same as a regular massage program. In other words, the more consistent you are with regular massage, the more you’ll reap its benefits. If possible, for active athletes, once a week or every other week if you’re training at a high level, but if it isn’t in your budget, aim for at least once a month.
LaVida Massage + Skincare’s Benefits Program Membership is an excellent way to keep your body healthy. It’s therapeutic, convenient and affordable. So what can a sports massage regimen tailored to your specific needs do for you? To summarize; reduce muscle tension, monitor muscle tone, promote relaxation, increase range of motion, decrease muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise, enhance athletic performance, and prevent injuries when massage is received regularly.