Playing sports does take a toll on your muscles over time, which could adversely affect your performance and everyday movements. Many treatments exist, but we highly recommend looking into sports massage treatment.

Sports massage is a form of therapeutic massage that targets muscles typically used in sports. Notably, some components of sports massage are used in other physical therapies. The technique comprises numerous benefits for athletes and active people that we’ll explore.  

Benefits of Sports Message Treatment

Increased joint range of motion (ROM)

With sports massage treatment, the temperature of the soft tissues increases, enhancing tissue elasticity, breaking down adhesions (knots) and decreasing pain. It also reduces swelling and helps to expel waste products from the muscles.

Increased flexibility

When the muscles experience tightness and inflammation, it reduces flexibility. Fortunately, sports massage therapy abates the tension by increasing blood circulation to muscles, which augments the oxygen and nutrients in the muscles and increases flexibility.

Decreased muscle tension

This is a given; however, sports massages loosen the muscle tissues by increasing blood flow to the area and deteriorating adhesions.

Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)

Unlike the sympathetic nervous system, which causes adrenaline (epinephrine) to release and enact the fight or flight response, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) produces a relaxation response. A sports massage activates the PNS, minimizing stress hormones and increasing the production of neurotransmitters (calming agents) like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins).

Decreased muscle spasms.

With sports massage, blood circulation, oxygen, and temperature increase in the muscles and waste products are removed. This reduces muscle spasms.

Increased sense of well-being

The intentional motions and techniques of sports massage release endorphins, invoking a sense of calm, relaxation and well-being.

Decreased anxiety and improved mood

Anxiety and stress impact the muscles because they run tension through the body, and the tightness is noticeable. Say goodbye to your unbearable anxiety and stress with sports massage. The techniques used in sports massage minimize anxiety and elevate mood.

Better sleep

A sports massage is a more vigorous type of massage because it works the muscles, ultimately increasing serotonin throughout the body and producing more melatonin, which enhances the patient’s sleep quality.

Increased blood flow

Another benefit of a sports massage is its ability to increase blood flow. The pressure applied to the muscles moves the body’s blood through congested regions.

Increased elimination of exercise waste products

As we’ve mentioned, sports massages eliminate exercise waste products by stimulating the lymphatic system, which expels waste products from the body.

Decreased chance of injury

As sports massage techniques improve blood flow, enhanced blood flow increases oxygen in the muscles to keep them strong and healthy, reducing the chance of injuries.

This isn’t to say the patient won’t be injured, but the chances of it happening are decreased.

Decreased recovery time between workouts

Sports massages could fast-forward recovery time during workouts. When the muscles have increased blood flow in the affected areas and eased muscle tension, this hastens the recovery time, allowing athletes to continue training with little to no remaining effects from the previous workout routine.

Sports Message Treatment: What’s the Difference Between Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage?

A deep tissue massage and sports massage have similar objects: to relieve pain and tension. But they also have key differences, which is important to know to comprehend which one is right for you.

Intended clients: Although a deep tissue massage is intended for any and everybody, a sports massage is catered to athletic individuals, whether on professional. collegiate or high school level.

Focus points: A deep-tissue massage is administered as a full-body massage that zeroes in on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. It’s intended for long-term muscle pain and stiffness. A sports massage comprises similar deep tissue movements but focuses on specific areas vulnerable to injury or stress. It’s designed to heal and prevent sports injuries, improve flexibility, and speed up recovery time between games. A sports massage is ideal for pre-game warm-ups and post-game cooldowns.

Massage Techniques: Sports massages include dynamic techniques, such as effleurage, kneading, wringing, hacking, and trigger pointing. Deep-tissue massages also include dynamic techniques, including sacrum push, elbow pressure, knuckle pressure, double finger press, and thumb rolls.

When to Get Sports Massage Treatment

Experts discourage undergoing sports massage treatment sooner than two days before a big athletic event. Athletes who do may feel sore after the treatment, which isn’t recommended before a big event.

Instead, it’s best to see a masseuse who’s experienced in sports massage at the proper frequency depending on the athletic person’s case, whether it be two to three times a week.

Who Shouldn’t Seek Sports Massage Therapy

While sports massage has various benefits, it’s imperative to know that it also has a number of contraindications or conditions that prevent people from undergoing particular treatments or procedures, mainly if they cause more harm than good.

Sports massage contraindications are:

• Open wounds
• Infections
• Pregnancy
• Muscle ruptures and tears
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Thrombosis
• Inflammation
• Bleeding disorders
• Contusions
• Chilblains
• Periostitis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout
• Bursitis

There are even more serious ones. Therefore, contraindications are to be taken seriously.

Come to Five Elements Spa for Your Sports Massage Treatment

At Five Elements Spa, we believe in the transformative power of recovery and relaxation. With our expert sports massage treatments, we offer more than just a luxury experience — we provide a pathway to enhanced performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone who simply enjoys an active lifestyle, our tailored sports massage services are designed to meet your unique needs. From alleviating pain and muscle tension to boosting flexibility and mental clarity, our team is here to help you achieve your peak performance.

Step into a world where recovery meets luxury, and let Five Elements Spa revolutionize your approach to health and wellness. Reclaim your body’s full potential, restore balance, and enjoy the lasting benefits of our medical-grade treatments. Your journey from pain to performance starts here.