Romeo reached out to me a few weeks ago with an article about sports massage. I’ve always believed in the benefits of massages and know they can be a valuable tool. Here are some benefits of sports massage from our guest author this week!
Most top athletes know the main benefits of sports massage. But what about people who exercise regularly? Do they need this type of massage too?
Research shows that the benefits professional athletes get from this Swedish-style massage can also be enjoyed by anyone who wants to stay fit and healthy.
Here are some key points about how this therapy can boost your recovery, health, and immunity.
Studies have shown that sports massage softens muscles and improves your range of motion. Lorraine Western, a sports therapist with a master’s degree in Sports Injury Management, says that regular sports massage corrects imbalances and increases the flexibility of tight muscles.
She also mentioned that it boosts the circulation of all body fluids, allowing your muscles to better use oxygen and other nutrients. Some techniques even promote a better heart rate and improve lymphatic drainage, easing muscle congestion and removing waste products.
A sports massage can help muscles recover after a workout or any strenuous physical activity. Recent research published in the Journal of Athletic Training showed a 30% decrease in muscle soreness due to exercise.
This is supported by a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which showed that massage significantly reduces fatigue. A review of 27 research studies at The Ohio State University found that this therapy can alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
So, if you experience any sports injury, pain, or fatigue in your thighs, calf muscles, or any other part of your limbs, a sports massage will help relieve the pain and speed up recovery.
A recent study at McMaster University, led by exercise scientist Mark Tarnopolsky, revealed more about the impact of sports massage on participants who underwent exhaustive exercise. The researchers used high-tech tools to examine the molecular and cellular workings of the muscles.
They found that 10 minutes of massage significantly reduced inflammation and increased mitochondria.
In a similar study in Hong Kong, participants ran on treadmills until they were exhausted. After resting for 15 minutes, sports massage was applied to one leg, while the other leg was left untouched.
The therapists in Hong Kong noticed that after about two hours, mitochondrial biogenesis had increased beyond expectations. Mitochondria act as engines inside the cells, boosting endurance and immunity by helping cells use oxygen more efficiently. This study showed that massage increased mitochondria beyond what normal exercise could achieve.
Sports massage can help both athletes and non-athletes enjoy faster recovery, better health, and boosted immunity.
So, if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, consider making sports massage a regular part of your routine. Sounds relaxing!