Our massage therapists have a special interest in sports injury and athletic performance and work closely with your physiotherapist on your treatment plan. Your sports therapy team will focus on your conditioning and injury prevention, and rehabilitation if injury occurs.
Sports massage is not a single modality but a combination of massage techniques that can include effleurage (sliding, stroking movements), petrissage (tissue kneading, rolling and pressure), friction (oscillating pressure across the fibers), and myofascial release.
Relief of DOMS Symptoms
DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) affects both our elite athletes and our beginners who haven’t worked out for a long time. The muscle pain, fatigue and stiffness that you experience is a result of microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. Your body responds to this damage by increasing inflammation, which may lead to a delayed onset of soreness in the muscles
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Studies show that people who receive a massage 24, 48, or 72 hours after an intense workout report significantly less soreness than people who didn’t get a post-workout massage.
Getting a massage 48 hours after a workout helps with muscle soreness
DECREASE RECOVERY TIME BETWEEN WORKOUTS OR ATHLETIC EVENT
Researchers at McMaster University reported that massage following an intense workout causes muscles to enlarge and grow new mitochondria. By increasing these powerhouse cells you can improve endurance performance by increasing the rate that muscles utilize oxygen.
Getting a massage between workouts can help endurance performance
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Most people report a feeling of pure relaxation, enhanced attentiveness, and improved mood following a massage. Studies show that massage can lower anxiety, tension and fatigue and improve mood scores in athletes.
Athletes may find an edge due to psychological benefits, making massage a double-duty treatment; a mind and body therapy.
WHAT KIND OF INJURIES CAN SPORTS MASSAGE HELP IN CONJUCTION WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY?
It is important to drink lots of water after your massage. A warm Epsom salts bath can be helpful to prevent soreness and stiffness the next day. A form of light activity to keep the blood pumping through the muscles and joints can also be helpful to decrease soreness and stiffness.