Are you trying to decide which type of massage is right for your aching muscles? Consider a sports massage—at MindBody Med in Seattle, WA, it’s not only athletes who find them beneficial. Anyone who wants to improve their overall wellness can benefit from this therapy focused on improving athletic performance.
Sports Massage Is Not Just For Athletes
Sports massage is a specialized type of bodywork that is aimed at physically active individuals. This could range from professional and amateur athletes to people who regularly exercise to anyone with an active lifestyle.
- Professional, Amateur, & High School Athletes
- Regular Gym Attendees
- Physically Active Individuals
- Anyone Wanting To Improve Whole-Body Wellness
What Are The Benefits Of This Type Of Bodywork?
Sports massage is often part of a treatment plan after an injury or surgery. It can also be used for injury prevention or to help relieve chronic pain. The goal is enhanced circulation, muscle tension relief, and improved flexibility and posture.
- Increased Circulation
- Muscle Tension Relief
- Improved Flexibility
- Postural Improvement
- Speed Up Healing Time
- Decrease Swelling & Inflammation
- Injury Prevention
- Stress & Anxiety Reduction
- Flexibility Improvement
What Makes Sports Massage Unique From Other Methods?
What sets this type of bodywork apart from other modalities is the main goal is not relaxation. The focus is on fixing an issue and bringing the entire body into optimal condition. The four basic strokes are:
- Trigger Point Compression
- Cross Fiber Friction
- Compression
- Percussion
When Did Sports Massage Become Popular Among Athletes?
Massage therapy is an ancient healing modality dating back thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that it was developed. In 1924, 5-time Olympic gold medalist Paavo Nurmi attributed sports massage as the key to his athletic success. Eventually, it became an official part of training for Olympic athletes.
When Is It Medically Indicated?
If you have a specific goal in mind, such as a swifter recovery time from an injury, improved athletic performance, or just want a whole body treatment to improve posture and flexibility, sports massage may be right for you.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Chronic Pain
- Stiff Joints
- Tight Muscles
- Recovering From An Injury Or Surgery
- Improve Athletic Performance
- Poor Posture
How To Find An Athletic Performance Massage Therapist
When seeking out a massage therapist who specializes in athletic performance and recovery, there are a few essential things to ask and look for. Not all spas and practitioners are qualified for this specific type of care.
- What Are Their Credentials?
- What Is Their Experience?
- Look For Reviews From Other Clients
- Ask Your Trainer For A Recommendation
Improve Overall Wellness With A Sports Massage
Want to see how sports massage can improve your wellness? Contact MindBody Med in Seattle, WA, today. We offer numerous types of bodywork, chiropractic care, and other holistic modalities to help bring your body back into optimal condition.
