Sports massage is designed to improve athletic performance and recovery. Sports massage can be useful for an athlete pre-event, post-event or as therapy to treat an injury.
Pre-event massage is fast-paced and physically stimulating, performed at the site where the athlete will be competing. The athlete is typically clothed and mentally preparing for the competition while the massage is being performed.
Post-event massage is also performed at the site of the competition. A post-event massage relaxes the athlete, calms the nervous system and starts the process of flushing toxins and waste from the body. A post-event massage reduces the amount of time needed to recover from the competition, allowing the athlete to resume training sooner.
Therapeutic sports massage focuses on treating soft tissue aches, pains and injuries that are associated with recreational activities. When an athlete sustains injury, massage can reduce muscle stiffness, increase range of motion and improve relaxation by reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Sports massage may speed recovery and improve the performance of the athlete’s body.