Sports massages are highly-customized to cater to various requirements. Though designed primarily for athletes, people with either physically demanding jobs or even desk jobs may benefit from sports massages. Here are six primary benefits of a sports massage that everyone can enjoy:
1. Increased Blood Flow:
Sports massage enhances the blood flow in muscles similarly to exercise. Instead of blood flowing through the muscles because of physical activity, sports massage causes the widening of the blood vessels to bring the blood closer to the skin surface, thereby increasing the ability of nutrients to flow to the muscles. You can move more freely by increasing the nutrient flow to the muscles.
2. Increased Flexibility:
Pressure and tension are stored in the muscle tissues during physical activity. Sports massage helps muscle tissues release this stored tension and pressure through expansion and stretching. By adding muscle flexibility, you can enjoy better muscle coordination, which can help reduce the risk of injury.
3. Relaxation:
The increased blood flow during a sports massage session generates heat through the muscles, which helps them relax. You will feel relaxed during or after sports massages because of the reduction of feelings of tension.
4. Reduced Anxiety:
The smooth flow of chemical hormones aids in the reduction of anxiety. Strenuous physical activity or the pressure of competition induces the release of certain hormones, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol, related to digestive disruption and stress. Sports massage regulates these hormones. In addition, chemical hormones, such as dopamine (also known as the “feel good hormone”), oxytocin (known widely as the “cuddle hormone”), and serotonin (a chemical hormone that helps regulate social behavior, appetite, digestion, and sleep), are released during sports massage sessions, thereby reducing anxiety and improve mood.
5. Breaks Down Scar Tissues
Scar tissue results from a previous muscle injury. The accumulation of scar tissues can be painful during physical activity, leading to further injury or reduced performance. Sports massage helps break down scar tissue, helping rescue the likeliness of pain and injury.
6. Provides Relief From Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
DOMS results from sustained muscle activity, especially during strenuous physical activities, and is typically associated with sports. DOMS is manifested by microscopic damage to muscle fibers, resulting in muscle stiffness and soreness. Though the body can heal itself from these microscopic damages, the process is slow. Sports massage speeds up the recovery of the process by improving the blood flow through the muscles, thereby reducing the likelihood of DOMS setting in.
Takeaways: Sports Massage Can Benefit You, Even if You Are Not an Athlete
