Sports Massage Therapists Near Me

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FAQs:

What Is a Sports Massage Therapist?

A sports massage therapist is a highly trained professional who helps strengthen the muscles of athletes in a variety of sports. Their knowledge helps them determine:

- which parts of the body are used most in their respective sport

- what techniques should be used and to which muscles

Certified sports massage therapists are not just for a specific event. Massage sports therapy is also beneficial to athletes after they complete a strenuous performance or training. They may work with:

- elementary and high school athletes

- college athletes

- and professional sports figures

- weekend warriors

What are the Duties of a Sports Massage Therapist?

As a massage therapist, you would work on the muscles and tissues of the body to reduce stress and release toxins. Massage therapists usually specialize in many different methods of massage. Sports massage is one of these methods or modalities. If you're performing a sports massage, your goal will be to reduce injuries and loosen tight muscles that were the result of sports or exercise. You may give a sports massage prior to a sport or exercise event to improve blood flow and lessen the chances of injury. You'll talk with your client before the massage to learn about any injuries or medical issues that may affect the type of massage methods you use.

What is the Difference Between a Massage and a Sports Massage?

Deep tissue massage is often administered as a full body massage, rather than focusing on a specific area of the body. Sports massage, on the other hand, is a targeted massage approach that focuses on specific areas of the body that are in need of healing or relief. Sports massage would be better suited to an athlete or someone who engages in regular physical activity. Sports massage can also be used by athletes to condition their bodies and aid in recovery.

How Does Sports Massage Work?

Sports massage is used to relieve stress and discomfort that can build up in the body’s soft tissues during exercise. It works by stretching tense muscles and stimulating muscles that aren’t in use, and enhancing soft tissue health. It helps relieve muscle tension and inflammation after an event and provides a pre-event warm-up to relax muscles for both amateur and professional athletes. When the natural mechanics of blood flow are disrupted by overuse or injury, massage stimulates blood flow or venous return.

The following are some examples of techniques:

- Locking and stretching the tissues and muscles which is known as soft tissue release.

- Targeting triggering points to relieve pain and tension.

- Positional release is a technique used for calming hyperactive muscles.

- Deep, slow kneading is used to loosen the connective tissues around the muscles, a process known as fascial release.

Can Sports Massage Benefit Non-Athletes?

Despite sports massage therapy usually going hand-in-hand with intense exercise and athletic performance, you do not need to be a sportsperson to benefit from this form of massage. If you do any form of exercise – whether that’s going jogging, attending the gym or exercise classes, or playing sports casually with friends or the children – you may be surprised at the benefits you can feel from receiving sports massages.

All forms of exercise come with some level of risk and the potential for injury. Not only can sports massage keep your muscles supple, but it can also give you awareness of where you may be holding tension or have imbalances that could lead to poor training or injury. In this sense, you may find that regular sports massages can help you better achieve your own training or exercise goals.

But sports massage therapy is not specific to sporting activities. It can also offer benefits to those with a more sedentary lifestyle. If your work involves many hours of sitting or driving or performing repetitive tasks – such as typing, lifting, or factory/production work – it’s likely you will feel muscle aches, pain, stiffness, and tension at some point, whether that’s occasionally or chronically. Everyday movements can put stress and strains on our bodies, which can lead to pain. Ideally, our bodies should be fit and strong enough to withstand a wide range of daily movements without causing us any trouble. But that’s not always the case, especially if the demands of our work and schedules result in an increasingly sedentary state. There is no shame in having to spend eight hours sitting at a desk but, in this case, it can help to see yourself as an ‘office athlete’; you need to give yourself the necessary care in order to feel fit and healthy within your body and perform well at your job.

If you suffer from pain and tension in your neck, shoulders, back, or joints, or suffer from tension headaches or cramps, you may find relief by way of a sports massage. If you feel the need to stretch your back or limbs after numerous hours of sitting or performing repetitive tasks, then perhaps it’s time to try a deep-tissue sports massage and see what immediate changes you can feel within your body. The physical benefits can be numerous, including reduced pain, increased range of movement, improved posture, and relief from muscular tension.

How Do I Know If I Need a Sports Massage?

If you find that you’re always feeling pretty stiff after doing sports, it could be the case that you need to see a massage therapist. It’s a sign that your body is not really recovering properly and massages can help with that.

- Standing stiffness is common: Standing stiffness is a common problem and it’s a sign that you need a sports massage.

- Post-activity stiffness can be avoided: Feeling stiff after activity and recovery can be avoided if you get a professional massage.

How Often Should You Have a Sports Massage?

It is recommended to have a sports massage once a week if you exercise multiple times a week. Types of regular exercise may include going to the gym, your favorite spinning class, or going for a 5km run. You can have a sports massage before or after the event.

How Long Does a Sports Massage Last?

A typical sports maintenance massage can last from 30 minutes to an hour and is a very helpful regular addition to a training program, particularly if you're training for an endurance event, such as a half or full marathon. Sports massage can also be used to treat specific soft tissue injuries and a wide variety of techniques and methods can be used to reduce the recovery time and help get you back running. This type of treatment can last from between 30 minutes to an hour, dependent on the injury.

Can I Shower After a Sports Massage?

Do not take a hot bath or shower. The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath. Epsom salts can be added to the bathtub to help with muscle soreness and inflammation.

What Do I Wear for a Sports Massage?

Wearing sports shorts or short tights is both fine for your sports massage. These will need to be shorts that can easily be rolled up. If the therapist needs to target the top of your quadriceps and your hip flexors then the shorts will need to be freely moving to allow for this. If you’re comfortable, it may be easier to wear underwear. As mentioned, a good therapist will keep you covered with a towel and only the areas that need to be exposed will be exposed. You can rest assured that your private parts will be covered at all times and any therapist that doesn’t stick to this is breaking code!

What is Sports Massage Therapy?

Sports massage therapy is also known as athletic massage therapy or sports medicine massage. It’s a type of therapy aimed at decreasing the tension and stress that can develop in the soft tissues of the body during sports and various exercises. Unlike some types of therapeutic massage that are performed after an activity, sports massage therapy is also performed before and during the training or activity. A sports therapy massage can help reduce stress on the body. It can also improve athletic performance and increases endurance. Sports and massage therapy are very similar to deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage. A sports therapeutic massage focuses on the muscles and tissues within the body. It may cover the entire body or a specific part of the body.

The Development of Sports Massage 

Sports massage has for a long time now been widely used across Europe. In 1812, Swedish fencing master and gymnast Pehr Henrik Ling combined the stroke techniques of what is now known as “Swedish massage” with remedial exercises, naming it “kinesiotherapy.” Ling reportedly cured his own injured elbow using tapping (percussion) techniques around the affected area. 

The modern history of sports massage started in Paris in 1924 at the Olympic games. Paavo Nurmi “the flying Finn” from Finland brought his own personal massage therapist whilst competing in running competitions and with treatment between events was able to win an impressive 5 gold medals in one day, including the 1.5k and 5k with only a half-hour gap between events. He credited special massage treatment as one of the most important factors of his training program contributing to his success. This created quite a stir and prompted other trainers to begin incorporating these treatments into their athletes’ training and recovery programs. 

While sports massage had a long history of use throughout the 20th century in Europe, it did not have quite the same rich history in America. Not until 1972 when an outstanding performance by Lasse Viren, a Finnish track and field competitor in the Olympic games brought attention to sports massage was sports massage influential in the field of actual sports. Viren credited deep friction sports massage to his incredible performances in winning the 5000 and 10 000 meter runs. It wasn’t until a bit further down the line some years later that the term “sports massage” was actually coined. This was down to an American horse trainer named John Meagher when he released a book detailing massage and injury-related exercise techniques.

Who Can Get and Benefit from a Sports Massage

If you think this kind of massage is only exclusive to professional athletes, here’s a list of who can really benefit from it. Getting a sports massage is perfect if you: 

- Play tennis, soccer, or any other type of impact sport

- Do hard, physical labor every day

- Deal with chronic muscle pain such as fibromyalgia

- Recovering from physical injuries and muscle trauma

- Get sore and aching muscles after a workout

Techniques Used in Sports Massage

Various movements and techniques are used to try to help an athlete's body achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning, with a decreased chance of injury or pain and a quicker recovery. A sports massage session is specifically tailored to an individual's needs. Some elements of sports massage are used in other physical therapy settings and to treat conditions outside of sports, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Examples of techniques used in sports massage include:

- Swedish style massage

- Effleurage (stroking)

- Petrissage (kneading)

- Compression

- Friction

- Tapotement (rhythmic striking)

- Vibration

- Gliding

- Stretching

- Percussion

- Trigger points

3 Types of Sports Massage

Pre-Event Sports Massage

Just as the name suggests, a pre-event sports massage is done at least 4 hours before the athletic event. Some even receive it days beforehand. This kind of massage can be part of your warm-up routine. It helps you to relax, stimulates your muscles, and gets you into the right mindset before competing. 

Post-Event Sports Massage

After competition or training, your body’s in dire need of recovery. This is where a post-event sports massage is done, at least 1 or 2 hours after the athletic event. It relaxes your muscles and prevents them from cramping up. It also significantly reduces DOMS post-workout.

Rehabilitative Sports Massage

If you want to speed up the healing process and maintain your strength, get into rehabilitative sports massage. This type of massage therapy treats muscle pain and helps you recover from injuries quickly. It also reduces the risk of a repeat injury.

Proven Health Benefits of Sports Massage

1. It reduces DOMS and muscle aches

When your daily work involves repetitive movements, your muscles will eventually feel strained. Fortunately, sports massage reduces DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness by at least 30%. It also lessens the swelling and pain in tense muscles. 

2. It helps in treating sciatica and other chronic pains

Aside from muscle soreness, chronic pain is also a common problem people have to deal with. More than 20% of the US adult population suffers from chronic pain every day. If you’re included in this statistic, a massage session can do you a lot of good. It’s effective in helping you relax and reducing the flaring aches from your daily routine. 

3. It loosens up tight muscles and cramps

With each kneading stroke, sports massage stretches your tired muscles until they relax and become ready for recovery. It reduces tension and lowers the chance of post-workout injury. 

4. It can increase the range of motion and flexibility

Many studies have proven that regular massage can increase your range of motion and flexibility. For this reason, many athletes find it useful before a competition. Patients recovering from injuries also benefit from it, as it helps return their mobility. 

5. It guarantees a good night’s sleep

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, sports massage is guaranteed to help you sleep better at night. Aside from the physical effects, massage lowers the stress hormone, or cortisol, in your brain. It helps you slow down and feel less anxious.

What to Expect from Sports Massage Therapy

On your first visit expect to give a full medical history as well as provide an account of how you have injured yourself and/or what you hope to gain from the visit.

This should be followed by an examination, usually involving a basic postural analysis as well as active and passive examination. This will help the therapist get to the bottom of the culprit tissues as well as any predisposing factors to your problem. The overall clinical picture will help formulate a treatment plan and based on this soft tissue techniques will be used to achieve the desired goal.

It is important to keep several things in mind when you visit a therapist:

- Keep your expectations real

- It's your body - be aware of how you are reacting

- If improvements are taking place, you are on the right track and it may be worth continuing

- If there is no / little improvement, consider a re-evaluation. A good therapist will refer you to other specialists if the problem is out of their remit.

Possible Side Effects of Sports Massage

While it does provide a lot of health benefits, it might not be for everyone. Here are some of the possible side effects to consider before you get your first appointment. 

- Lingering post-massage pain 

- Fatigue 

- Headache

- Sleepiness

- Muscle inflammation

- Redness or bruising on the skin

7 Ways to Prepare for a Sports Massage

Getting a sports massage is an excellent way to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. Massages can also help speed up the recovery process after intense exercise. The most important thing you should do before getting a massage is to prepare your body for it, as well as your mind. Here are 7 ways to get ready:

1. KEEP YOURSELF FROM BEING DEHYDRATED WHILE GETTING A SPORTS MASSAGE

Drink just enough fluids before and after your massage. Water is best, but you can also drink fruit juices or sports drinks. Make sure you don’t drink too much as this can also cause problems during your massage. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your massage as these beverages will dehydrate you. Also, avoid eating a heavy meal right before your massage. A light snack an hour or two beforehand is fine.

2. MAKE SURE TO WEAR PROPER CLOTHING

Wear loose clothing to your appointment so the therapist has easy access to all areas of your body that need treatment. Shower beforehand if possible, so the therapist doesn’t have to work around lotion or oils on your skin. Let the therapist know about any injuries or medical conditions you have before beginning the massage. This information will help her give you the most effective treatment possible.

3. LET THE THERAPIST KNOW IF YOU HAVE BACK ISSUES OR OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS BEFOREHAND

If you have any injuries or medical conditions, it’s important to let the therapist know beforehand. The massage therapist needs to be aware of all your current health concerns so that they can properly prepare for treating you during the session. They might need more time and attention if something is not right with your body; otherwise, their focus will be on helping out with an injury instead of also preventing any future damage from occurring.

4. FIND OUT IF YOUR SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST IS ACCREDITED AND LICENSED

Well, you want to make sure that they have a clean background and are not going through this for the wrong reasons. The therapist should be certified in CPR too because it’s important to keep up with your health when receiving massage services. Knowing if the therapist is licensed and accredited ensures their legal ability to work as a masseuse with athletes. These practitioners utilize methods such as tissue release technique (TRT) and myofascial stripping (MS), which help relax muscles while increasing blood flow throughout the body, all helpful components towards prepping for any athletic competition – especially one where endurance is required.

5. CONSIDER HOW LONG A SPORTS MASSAGE SESSION IS GOING TO TAKE BEFORE GOING THROUGH ONE

Just like any other massage, the time it takes to complete a sports massage will vary depending on the person’s size and condition. However, in general, most sports massages last around an hour. Arrive early so you can fill out any necessary paperwork and discuss your goals with your therapist. This will help them better customize the session to meet your needs. A sports massage therapist will need time to prepare for your session by setting up their table, warming the oils or creams they are using on you, and adjusting the room temperature. This is also a good sign that they genuinely care about giving you an authentic treatment experience. 

6. BEFORE GETTING A SPORTS MASSAGE, MAKE SURE YOUR BLADDER IS EMPTY

The procedure of a sports massage involves the therapist pressing and kneading your muscles in order to release toxins, improve circulation and help you recover from physical activity. If a person is sitting on a full bladder during this time it could cause discomfort for them because their body weight would rest upon an area that has been pressurized by urine inside the body.

In addition, having empty bowels before getting a sports massage can also prevent any possible embarrassment since there will be no need to have interruptions or breaks in order to use the bathroom.

7. A SPORTS MASSAGE SHOULD NOT BE MISTAKEN FOR A SPA TREATMENT

A sports massage is a performance-enhancing treatment that can be very effective for someone who exercises. A sports massage therapist will use different techniques to help improve the range of motion and flexibility in your muscles, as well as decrease muscle fatigue after exercise or activity. This treatment also helps break up adhesions and scar tissue between layers of muscle by using friction applied with oil on the skin over specific muscles targeted for release.

How to Find a Sports Massage Therapist

It is important that you book your sessions with a credentialed sports massage therapist. These practitioners are specially trained to work with people with various sports injuries and help prevent future injuries related to your sport or activity of choice.

You can look for some in your area by checking the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)'s Find A Nationally Certified Practitioner database. You also can use the American Massage Therapy Association's (AMTA) Find a Massage Therapist database.

The AMTA recommends asking the following questions:

- What are your certifications?

- Are you licensed or registered as a massage therapist in this state? (Almost all states regulate massage therapists, requiring credentials to practice.)

- Which types of massage are you trained to perform?

- Can you address my health and fitness concerns?

Sports massage is highly valued by many athletes, even though some of its purported benefits are not supported by research. If your goal is relief from sore and tense muscles after a workout, as well as general relaxation, it may be valuable for you.

Sources:

Sports Management

Learn

Very Well Health

Discover Massage

THRIVE

Hydragun

Fire and Earth

Song Bird Naturals

Coastal Day Spa

Flawless Physio

Runners World

Grand Prairie Physiotherapy

Medicinevolution

Loving Life

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.