There are four primary types of sports massage, all of which are used for different scenarios to ensure that athletes and individuals are able to perform or recover as safely as possible. The first type of sports massage is pre-event, which is used before a training or competition event to prepare the athlete’s body for the event by ensuring there is good blood flow to the muscles and that muscle tension is reduced as much as possible to prevent injuries. Post-event sports massage is used following a training or competition event to support the body’s natural healing process by reducing inflammation in the muscles and preventing the build-up of lactic acid. Maintenance sports massages are used in between training sessions to keep the body of the athlete relaxed, reduce inflammation in the muscles, and move lactic acid around to prevent build-up. Lastly, rehabilitation is a form of sports massage to support athletes in their recovery from sports-related injuries.

Sports massages are pretty intense forms of massage, especially for those who have not received them before. The act of the massage causes the muscles to release toxins into the bloodstream which turn into waste products, which is why it is always highly recommended to drink plenty of water following a massage to ensure that these toxins are released from the body. It is common for those who do not drink enough water to feel thirsty, faint, or develop a headache a few hours following the massage. As well, for those who are just starting to receive sports massages, it is likely that the muscles become a little bit sore following the massage.

The average professional athlete will receive a sports massage at least once a week, but many athletes will opt for multiple per week depending on how many events they have had or if they are preparing for a competition and want to ensure that they receive pre-and post-event massages. If being treated for a specific injury, the rehabilitative sessions will likely need to be spaced one week apart just to ensure proper recovery. For those that exercise regularly, sports massages may only be required every 2 to 4 weeks. The frequency at which you should be getting sports massages depends heavily on your level of physical activity, which sports you perform, and if you have any underlying physical conditions that would influence what your body needs for recovery.

Whether you engage in sports as a hobby or professionally, sports massages may be what you need to speed up your recovery time or just to make you feel better while performing and between events. Sports massage isn’t even just reserved for those who are athletic, it is also recommended for anyone that has experienced strain from activities such as gardening or has had sudden tight muscles get in the way of their daily life. The types of techniques used in sports massages have proven to be beneficial for a wide variety of problems as they simply focus on the health of the joints and muscles and promote mobility. Whether you are a professional athlete or have suffered from a strain while getting things done around your house, sports massages are a great option that will likely provide the relief and recovery boost that you need to feel great again.

Sports Massage is available at AIM Chiropractic & Fitness. For more information, contact us today or book an online appointment for a sports massage, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 3002 Kingston Court, Suite A, Marietta, GA 30067. We serve patients from Marietta GA, Roswell GA (East Roswell), Kennesaw GA, Smyrna GA, Vinings GA, Alpharetta GA, and Powder Springs GA.