Sports massage therapy has long been used by Physiotherapists and Perth Massage Therapists for various kinds of team sports to help athletes recover from injuries or improve performance. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that supports the use of general massage therapy for sports teams – in advance of injury and as a functional part of a good mental health approach.
- Read this article about delayed onset muscle soreness and how it is best treated with a good old sports massage (Australian Institute of Fitness)
The article above talks about massage being good at preventing injuries on the field, not just as a fix for existing strains and sprains. It’s a good idea to be proactive when it comes to sports massage.
- And check here for Perth Now’s list of upcoming sporting events
What does Massage Therapy actually do for Athletes
1. Reduces muscle tension and soreness.
Sports massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension and soreness, which can improve an athlete’s range of motion and flexibility. This can be especially helpful for football players or netball teams who are prone to muscle injuries.
2. Sports Massage Improves circulation
Sports massage therapy can also help improve the body’s blood circulation, which can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
- Read this article about Sports Massage and how it affects circulation on Australia’s Health Direct website (a great site with lots of general help and advice).
Organising a regular massage for your team – say after weekly training – will help speed up the recovery process and reduce the risk of future injury.
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Reduces stress and anxiety
Massage therapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve focus and concentration. This can be especially helpful for athletes who are competing in high-pressure situations.
Increases relaxation (mind + muscle)
Massage therapy increases relaxation, which can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of overtraining. General massage is excellent – not just for physical health but mental health, too.
In our articles, we recommend massage for general mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Read about stress and workplace burnout
- Read about massage and how it can help with work life balance
- 10 Things to include in a corporate wellness program
How we approach Sports Massage
When massaging a sports team, it is important that we tailor the massage to the individual needs of each athlete. Some athletes may need more focused massage on areas that are prone to injury, or areas that need a specific kind of TLC, while others may benefit from more general sports massage.
To generalise, we can go hard or soft. Whichever is preferred – and we respond to feedback during any massage session.
It is also important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that govern massage therapy in sports. For example, in some sports, massage therapists are not allowed to work on athletes during competition. To this end, we are happy to work under the instruction of your sports team’s preferred Physiotherapist.
Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to help athletes recover from injuries, improve performance, and reduce stress of all kinds.
If you are a sports team looking for ways to improve your overall performance, consider incorporating a full or partial body sports massage for each athlete in your training regimen.
Additional Thoughts On Massaging Sports Teams
- We use a variety of massage techniques to address the specific needs of each athlete.
- We can be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure.
- We listen to the athlete’s feedback and adjust the massage accordingly.
- We end each massage with a few minutes of relaxation.
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