SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is a systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body that focuses on muscles relevant to a particular sport. Sports massage is reported to have many beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be used pre-performance, post-performance, during training, or for rehabilitation. From elite athletes to recreational exercisers, it is a popular choice.
Research studies regarding perceived fatigue and recovery showed that subjects felt they were less fatigued and felt like they recovered faster after sports massage. Decreased anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, and enhanced feelings of well-being were also noted. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is reduced by sports massage, according to a wide variety of studies. Some of the reported benefits of sports massage include:
- Increased joint range of motion (ROM)
- Increased flexibility
- Increased sense of well-being
- Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
- Reduces Pain
- Relaxes the body
- Decreased muscle tension
- Decreased muscle spasms
- Better sleep