What Happens to Your Body During a Sports Massage?

Sports massage or deep tissue massage can be an excellent tool for a sports performer nearing the edge of their physical capabilities or an individual who has fallen victim to an injury, such as repetitive strain. However, have you ever realised just what exactly happens to your body during a sports massage? What is the difference from a classical massage? Why do so many professionals swear by it?

This introductory guide will demystify the science and sensation of Sports Massage Abingdon, outlining the physical changes your body undergoes, and help you understand how it can aid injury recovery, promote flexibility, and enhance performance.

What Is Sports Massage?

As an experienced sports massage therapist and osteopath, trained to understand the unique needs of athletes and individuals with muscle tension, I ensure a professional and practical sports massage experience. Sports massage is a specialised type of massage technique used on individuals who engage in physical activities, or for those who require a more intense massage style. In contrast to relaxation massage, which aims to relax the mind and body, sports massage focuses on muscles that are put under strain and used regularly due to sports or intense physical activities.

Sports massage encompasses various techniques, including deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, stretching, and friction techniques. Sports Massage can be beneficial before or after a sporting event, during training, or as part of a rehabilitation plan.

The Aim of a Sports Massage

Before we dive into what happens inside your body, it's helpful to understand the key goals of a sports massage session:

• Improve blood circulation
• Enhance flexibility and range of motion
• Break down scar tissue and adhesions
• Reduce muscle soreness and tension
• Prevent injuries
• Speed up recovery from injuries

Each of these goals contributes to the physiological changes you’ll experience during and after your treatment.

The Physical Changes to Your Body During a Sports Massage

Let’s now explore exactly what happens to your muscles, blood vessels, lymphatic system, and nervous system during a sports massage:

1. Increased Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery

The musculoskeletal system can significantly benefit from a sports massage by increasing blood circulation and allowing for the contraction and stretching of muscle fibres that facilitate blood flow within constricted vessels.

• Why this is a benefit to your body: An increased amount of oxygen and nutrients can reach exhausted muscles.
• Result: Increases healing and reduces fatigue.

Since your therapist applies targeted pressure, especially in those muscle areas that are tight or knotted, the blood vessels dilate (in other words, they open up, allowing more blood to flow to the part they are supplying), eliminating toxins and metabolic waste, such as lactic acid, which accumulates during exercise.

2. Activation of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting waste and toxins throughout the body. However, the lymphatic system does not rely on a pump like the circulatory system; instead, it depends on muscle motions and pressure.

• This effect on your body: Sports massage can aid the manual stimulation of lymph flow.
• Result: Augments detoxification capacity and reduces oedema or swelling.

Lymphatic drainage is particularly beneficial when athletes are at risk of developing inflammation following exercise or experiencing fluid retention within the body.

3. Disrupting Adhesions and Scar Tissue

Heavy practice or motion could, over time, result in scar tissue and muscle binding, forming bands of rigid tissue that lead to rigidity and painful spasms.

What it does to your body: These adhesions reduce your movement, and the possibility of an injury can arise.

Outcome: Sports massage helps to break them down, thus enhancing functionality and flexibility.

Deep pressure and friction are applied to tight areas by your osteopath or massage therapist. For some muscles that are increased in tone, the massage may be a bit painful; however, it is essential for the long-term sustainability of muscles and for avoiding injuries.

4. Relieving Muscle Tension and Spasms

Rugby and Football players often experience stress in specific areas of the body. The mechanism of Sports massage is to work by locating and relieving tension in the muscles, primarily in overused or tired regions.

The implications of this on your body: Muscles relax and increase in length.

Outcome: Less pain and tightness, together with increased freedom of movement.

Moreover, massage helps prevent a pain-spasm-pain cycle by inhibiting nerve impulses that lead to continuous muscle contraction.

5. Better Range of Motion and Flexibility

The muscles, tendons, and fascia may shorten or become locked up over time. The massage used in sports may include active and passive stretching activities, as well as extending these structures, which your therapist applies during a sports massage.

• What this could do to your body: Greater joint flexibility and mobilisation.
• Outcome: Enhanced performance as an athlete and lower chances of being injured.

It is beneficial to do before a competition or a hard training session, as it warms the body up for the movement.

6. Neurological: Calms the Nervous System

While sports massage may not be a traditional spa experience, it does provide a comforting relief to the nervous system. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels and inducing a sense of relaxation.

• What this does to your body: Decreased stress and anxiety levels.
• Outcome: Better mental sharpness, sleep, and life.

It also aids in the body's recovery after a stressful competition or training phase.

Is Sports Massage Painful?

The question, which appears to be one of the most frequently asked by newcomers, is, “Will it hurt?”

To a degree, there should be some discomfort, as sports massage is deeper and more specific than Swedish massage, particularly when working on tight points or breaking adhesions. Nevertheless, it should not be agonising. Never stay quiet during the session with your therapist.

It's important to note that you may experience some soreness after a sports massage, especially if it's your first time. However, this discomfort is normal and is expected to subside within 24-48 hours. Remember to stay hydrated, do some gentle stretching, and avoid vigorous exercises immediately after the massage to give your body time to recover.

Stay hydrated, do some gentle stretching, and avoid vigorous exercises immediately after the massage to give your body time to relax.

Medical Conditions that Sports Massage can Help

Sports massage can be beneficial for anyone, including non-athletes. It works best for individuals who engage in physically demanding activities, have numerous activities, or experience chronic muscle problems.

Some prevalent illnesses sports massage aids in the following ways:

• Tendinitis and bursitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sciatica
• IT band syndrome
• Frozen shoulder
• Tension headaches
• Backache
• Runner’s knee
• Strains and sprains of the muscles

Why Choose Sports Massage in Abingdon?

Choosing a Sports Massage in Abingdon, especially if you're in or near Oxfordshire, not only offers convenience but also the expertise of trained professionals. These professionals understand the unique needs of local clubs, teams, and individuals, ensuring you receive the best sports massage treatment.

Kennington Osteopathic Practice combines clinical skills with specialised massage therapy to complement your individual objectives, whether you are attending an event or recovering from an injury. They are practised in sports massage, osteopathy, and rehabilitation; the practitioners have been trained to apply a holistic approach in treatment and performance.

How to Prepare for Your Sports Massage?

To get the most out of your session, here are some tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Helps with toxin removal.
2. Avoid heavy meals before the session; you’ll feel more comfortable.
3. Wear comfortable clothes: You might be asked to stretch or move.
4. Communicate your goals and discomforts: Let your therapist know about any injuries or sensitive areas.
5. Give feedback during the massage: The pressure should be adequate, not painful.

What to Expect After the Massage?

After your sports massage, your body will begin to heal, regenerate, and realign. Here’s what you might experience:

• Increased flexibility and ease of movement
• A sense of lightness or energy in previously tense areas
• Mild soreness in deeply treated muscles
• Improved sleep and reduced stress levels
• Enhanced focus and athletic performance

These effects can be long-lasting when sports massage is integrated regularly into your health routine.

Final Thoughts

Sports massage is neither an athlete phenomenon nor an athlete-friendly concept. By being aware of what occurs in the body during a sports massage, one acquires a sense of the significant physiological and psychological changes that it has on the body.

If you find yourself chronically tight, are approaching a marathon, or want to maintain a physical edge in your body, a Sports Massage in Abingdon may be a perfect addition to your overall body care routine.

Are You Willing to Experience the Pleasure of a Sports Massage?

Being on the road to recovery following an injury, or simply looking to elevate your performance in a chosen sport, our team at Kennington Osteopathic Practice can and will assist. Whether you are an active runner, an athlete, a business executive, or anyone with tension, aches, and pains, book your Massage in Abingdon today and feel the healing hands of a natural difference.