For many, the phrase “sports massage,” conjures images of elite athletes getting their legs pampered after a marathon, or footballers recovering from a hamstring pulled during the game. So it may surprise you to learn: sports massage isn’t just for the pros; it’s for anyone who moves... Or doesn't!
So - who can benefit from sports massage? See whether you recognise yourself below...
1. Weekend Warriors
You know who you are. You spend all week at your desk, then suddenly on the weekend you’re an Olympic Triathlete or a CrossFit Champion. By Sunday evening your muscles are screaming at you and every movement's a trial in itself. Sports massage can help soothe those sore spots, boost your recovery, and get you back to your best.
Physiological Effects: Weekend warriors often experience delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) from sudden, intense activity. During prolonged exercise, your muscles rely on anaerobic respiration when the demand for oxygen exceeds supply. This process produces lactic acid as a byproduct and it accumulates in the muscles, leading to that familiar "burning" sensation and post-exercise soreness. Sports massage helps to improves circulation, flushing out lactic acid and other waste products from the tissues while delivering oxygen-rich blood to tired muscles, speeding up recovery.
Practical Tip: A sports massage within 24-48 hours of your workout may help to maximise recovery and reduce stiffness.
2. Desk Jockeys
If your job involves sitting at a desk and computer all day, you’re probably no stranger to a few aches and pains. Over time, poor posture and repetitive movements can lead to stiffness and tension, especially in your neck, shoulders, and back. Sports massage can be an incredibly effective tool for relieving those issues, helping to improve your posture and making you feel like a new person. (Or at least one who can turn their head without grunting and moving their whole body!)
Physiological Effects: Your body wants to be an upright column, preferably one that moves around. Prolonged sitting leads to shortened hip flexors and hamstrings, weakened gluteal muscles and core, resulting in lower back pain. Massage helps release tight areas, promoting better posture and reducing the discomfort associated with postural imbalances.
Practical Tip: Pair regular massages with ergonomic adjustments to your work setup and incorporate regular "movement breaks" to prevent tension from building up.
3. Parents (The Ultimate Endurance Athletes)
Parenting is not for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re chasing toddlers over floors covered in Lego, carrying awkward car seats while trying to manage keys and shopping bags, or forgetting that perfect squat as you pick up toys at the end of the day like some sort of half-asleep zombie - your body takes a constant pounding! A sports massage can help you recover from this repetitive, daily grind and keep you in tiptop form as you face up to your next bedtime battle.
Physiological Effects: Frequent lifting and bending can cause strain in the lower back and shoulders, especially when combined with twisting because you're too tired to move your feet! Massage can help to release tension in the soft tissues, improve flexibility and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, leaving you refreshed and ready for those parenting challenges.
Practical Tip: For targeted relief, focus on areas that take the most punishment, such as the lower back, neck and shoulders.
4. Pro Athletes (and Aspiring Ones)
Yes of course - sports massage is a staple for athletes aiming to stay in peak condition. It helps maintain flexibility, prevents injury, and even aids mental focus. But you don’t need to be a pro to experience the benefits. Whether you’re working towards your first 5K or going for that personal best at the gym, sports massage can help with your performance and recovery.
Physiological Effects: Regular training leads to micro-tears in muscle fibres. These develop into "knots" as the neuromuscular system engages it's protective, "self-splinting" mechanisms. Massage can be used to promote healing by increasing blood flow, stimulating lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and preventing the build-up of scar tissue.
Practical Tip: Integrate sports massage as a regular part of your training regime, in particular during peak performance periods.
5. When You've “Overdone It”
You know the feeling? One minute you’re moving furniture or smashing a DIY project; the next, you’re walking like you’ve just aged 20 years overnight and telling everyone you've hurt muscles you never knew you had. A sports massage can help ease the tension and get you back to your best.
Physiological Effects: Overexertion often causes inflammation and tension in the tissues. Massage helps relax affected areas, reduces swelling and encourages the release of natural, pain-killing endorphins.
Practical Tip: Don’t wait for the pain to become a problem. Book a massage as soon as you notice discomfort and you'll avoid even greater strains.
6. Older Adults
As we get older, our muscles and joints naturally lose some of their elasticity and flexibility. This can make everyday activities more challenging putting you at increased risk of injury. Sports massage can help older adults maintain that all-important mobility, reducing general stiffness and discomfort.
Physiological Effects: Ageing can lead to decreased circulation and in turn, slower recovery from physical activity. Massage can help to counter these effects by increasing blood flow, promoting healthier joints and alleviating the chronic pain and stiffness associated with age-related conditions like arthritis.
Practical Tip: Regular massages can help to maintain mobility, supporting independence and enhancing quality of life.
7. Teenage Athletes
Young athletes often push their growing bodies to, or even beyond, their limits. Sports massage can help them recover faster, protect them from injuries and improve performance during their formative years.
Physiological Effects: Teens maybe prone to growth-related discomforts like Osgood-Schlatter disease (an issue where the patellar tendon pulls on the top of the tibia and its growth plate) or tension in the soft tissues from rapid development. Massage helps to ease this tension, improving flexibility and promoting better body awareness to reduce injury risks.
Practical Tip: A preventative approach, incorporating massage into a training programme can help keep teenage athletes healthy and performing at their best. (Note - U16s must be chaperoned throughout appointments by a Parent/Guardian).
How Can Sports Massage Help?
There are so many benefits that sports massage can bring - it's about relaxation, but it’s about results too. It can:
Reduce tension and pain in the soft tissues
Improve your flexibility and range of motion
Speed up recovery after injuries
Enhance performance (wherever that may be - on the sporting arena or in everyday life)
Reduce stress, aid relaxation and promote overall well-being
Ready to Give It A Try?
If you’ve ever felt like your body could use a little TLC, whatever the reason, sports massage could be for you. Whether you’re battling with aches and pains, recovering from an injury, or simply want to move better, I'm here to help.
Book a session at Dom Chad Sports Massage in Andover's Chantry Centre and let’s get you back to your best. Your body will thank you for it!
Disclaimer: Results may include alarming amounts of energy, improved flexibility, and the sudden ability to touch your toes without saying "Oof!"
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