Portrait of young attractive sportsman with earphones running outsideSports massage can make a huge difference in the lives of those who work out frequently, train for marathons, or are active with their bodies on a daily basis. As professional athletes have understood for years, the benefits of regular sports massage include reducing fatigue, relieving muscle swelling and tension, and helping to prevent injury from muscle overextension and overuse. The result? Faster recovery, and better performance.

In addition, sports massage can also increase flexibility before a sporting event by warming up the major muscle groups. Post-event, sports massage aids in recovery by limbering the muscles and reducing the amount of lactic acid buildup. And let’s not forget the benefits to your focus and relaxation!

For many athletes, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a frequent complaint associated with beginning a new exercise routine. DOMS is the soreness that can occur several hours post-exercise, especially after exercises that are unfamiliar. DOMS can reduce your muscles’ ability to relax, which can cause chronically tight ligaments, loss of flexibility, and poor blood flow, all of which impede your ability to perform. The sports massages we offer at Balance can both reduce and prevent the effects of DOMS, meaning you can train harder with less downtime.

Therapists specifically trained in sports massage employ many techniques not typically found in other types of massage, which include assisted stretching, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Furthermore, a sports massage therapist has specific knowledge of how athletic activity and sports-related injuries affect the body and its performance.

If you think that a sports massage might be just what you need, then you’re in luck. All of Balance’s therapists understand what keeps athletes’ bodies in top form. If you’d just like to add some assisted stretching to your session, let us know, and we’ll be happy to help!