A sports massage is a form of bodywork that is specifically geared toward participants in athletic activity to help prevent injuries, enhance performance, and speed recovery. Whether you are an avid runner, cyclist or football player, having regular sports massage can significantly decrease your chances of injury and keep you at your peak fitness.

We recently spoke to Florence Penny, a consultant musculoskeletal physiotherapist and owner of Flow Physio London, to get the lowdown on sports massage. Here, she explains the different techniques and physiological effects of this form of treatment.

Physiological Effects of a Sports Massage
The most obvious benefit of a sports massage in NYC is that it helps to break down adhesions within the muscles, which are created as part of the inflammatory process following injury and trauma. These adhesions are sticky and bind the muscle tissues together, preventing them from moving freely. The deep friction techniques of a sports massage can break down these adhesions and free the tissues, which can then shift more easily as the body moves.

Secondly, the stretching manipulations of a sports massage can increase the extensibility and flexibility of the muscle tissues. This improves the range of motion at which the muscle can move, reducing the likelihood of strain or sprain. A sports massage also reduces metabolic build-up of lactic acid, which can lead to soreness and stiffness after exercise. The removal of these waste products with pre and post-event massages can dramatically decrease the intensity of the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise.

Another physiological effect of a sports massage is the warming up of the muscles. The effleurage techniques (smoothing strokes with the palms of the hands, pushing away from the heart) and kneading movements help to warm the muscle tissues up. As the muscles are warm, they contract more efficiently and there is less chance of muscle tightness, cramping or spasms.

Finally, a sports massage can also boost circulation and help the body to deal with fatigue. The increased blood flow helps the muscles to get more oxygen and nutrients, reducing the toxins that cause fatigue. It also means that the muscles can recover more quickly from the exertion, and you can return to your exercise with a better sense of energy and well-being.

You don’t need to be an athlete to reap the benefits of a sports massage. It can be hugely beneficial to anyone who regularly exercises and is keen to stay in peak condition, avoiding injury and improving their general health and wellbeing. The techniques used in a sports massage are extremely useful for treating non-sports related injuries as well, such as tension, tightness and pain in the neck, back and shoulders.

Having a sports massage can make you feel sore in the short term, but this should subside quite quickly, and is worth it for the benefits it provides! The key is to find a good therapist and have regular sessions. This will not only improve your athletic performance, but will help to prevent injuries and allow you to train harder and longer.

Body Mechanics Orthopedic Massage
1 W 34th St. # 204,
New York, NY 10001, United States
(212) 884-1010