For years, coaches, trainers and athletes alike have sworn by massage therapy. Now, as more and more supporting evidence has become available, their conclusions are proving to be valid. The most trusted and respected name in massage therapy, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), asserts that athletes, or those participating in exercise programs, can benefit from massage therapy. Alongside exercise, massage has been shown to enhance athletic performance, reduce muscle tension, increase the range of motion, reduce swelling, and improve exercise performance. These are some of the more apparent physical benefits. However, there are psychological and physiological benefits to massage and sports massage as well.
Denver Sports Massage Therapy: Improving Athletic Performance
Sports Massage: Psychological Effects
Any athlete knows that attitude, mindset, and focus are just as important as being physically prepared. Sports massage can provide an added boost to an athlete's psyche. During a massage, many athletes experience a relaxed state in which their heart rate lowers. Massage reduces anxiety, stress, and tension and encourages relaxation. During this process, the body releases increased levels of dopamine and serotonin and the levels of the stress hormone cortisol are reduced. This relaxed, hyper-focused state of mind is optimal for athletic performance as it trains the mind which is an asset on the field or during practice.
Sports Massage: Physiological Effects
One major benefit that often time goes unnoticed is massage therapy's effect on the cardiovascular system. The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints in the body enhance blood flow. The constant motion dilates blood vessels stimulating more effective circulation. This increased blood flow allows the body to recover more quickly helping relieve tension in the process and reducing soreness. Sports massage not only feels good for the muscle, it actually is good for them too.
Should I Schedule a Sports Massage?
Every athlete’s goal is to be the best they can be. Allowing sports massage to be a part of not only your life, but your routine will give you a leg up on the competition. It is important to note that much like exercise itself, the more regularly you receive a massage the more cumulative the benefits are. Massage and sports massage as a whole can be seen as a preventative maintenance of sorts. It is preferable to any athlete to prevent injury rather than to treat or recover from one. With Denver's best sports massage therapy, anyone seeking to recover faster, prevent injuries, improve conditioning, enhance performance, and maintain peak fitness will accomplish their goals. Call or book an appointment for a sports massage session with Wayfare Wellness today.